· Assures of prompt payment of compensation for affected structures
By Adeyinka Aderibigbe
Works began on the establishment of the right of way for the Red Line phase of the Lagos Rail Mass Transit (LRMT) project, with assurances that prompt compensation would be paid to all whose structures may be affected by the project.
Speaking at a town hall meeting with community leaders, tradesmen, artisans and youth leaders, at the Lagos Mainland Local Government Area Headquarters, the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transportation Authority (LAMATA) Managing Director Mrs Abiodun Akinajo, said the project, would be delivered in 24 months.
Akinajo, who was represented by LAMATA’s Director of Rail Services Engr. Olasunkanmi Okusaga said the government is going ahead with the project because of its huge economic benefits. According to him, about 730,000-passenger traffic is being projected for the new train service.
He said the Red Line is part of the integrated multi-modal component of the Lagos State’s Strategic Transportation Masterplan (STEMP) being implemented by LAMATA.
According to him, the Red Line would ensure a drastic reduction in travel time, reducing the four to five hours of commuting from Oyingbo to Agbado by road to about 40 minutes by rail.
He therefore urged traditional and community leaders, to partner with the government by ensuring that none of the enumerators and workers of the contractor are attacked in their various communities.
He said light rail would have two major stations at Yaba and Oyingbo
He said the project, which would be handled for LAMATA by Impact Environmental Consulting Ltd and NolaSimbo Consulting Engineers and Partners Ltd which would run along the same corridor as the Standard Gauge being constructed by the Federal Government would have 13 bridges in all, out of which the state government would be constructing four Overpasses, at Oyingbo, Mushin, Oshodi and Ikeja, and three pedestrian bridges, while the Federal Government will construct others.
The Mainland Local Government Chairman Chief Mrs Omolola Essien while praising the Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for bringing the project at this time, even as she urged LAMATA and the contractors to carry the council along for the overall success and the timely delivery of the assignment.
Mrs Essien, who was represented by the Vice Chairman Alhaji Jibril Emilagba also demanded for a bridge to be constructed at Otto town.
The Project Engineer Babatunde Osho said the Red Line is in the overall best interest of the people as it would improve travel time and for all living or working along the corridor.
Osho said by the projection, the project would have greater impact on the Apapa Road, than it would on Murtala Muhammed road. He however assured that all would be done to ensure that no one unduly suffers as a result of the construction.
Head of Safeguards at LAMATA Mr Obafemi Shitta-Bay said the government would be guided by the global best practices in awarding compensations to anyone affected by the project.
The Eletu of Otto High Chief S.A.A Adepeju assured the state government that the entire Oyingbo community would rally behind the government to ensure the success and timely completion of the project.