From Lagos
The Managing Director, Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA), Mrs Abimbola Akinajo, has sought the collaboration of stakeholders’ and community leaders of Lagos Mainland for the establishment of Lagos Light-Rail Mass Transit (LRMT) Red and Blue Line projects, to enhance seamless transportation in the state.
He stated this during the Public Consultation and Stakeholders Engagement on the LMT Red Line and Associated Infrastructure Projects in Lagos on Tuesday.
Akinajo, represented by Director, Rail Transportation of LAMATA, Mr Olasunkanmi Okusaga, stressed the need for proper enlightenment of the public before the construction begins, to avoid misunderstanding by residents.
She disclosed that the Federal Government had accepted the state government’s request to join the rail, adding that it had requested from the residents whom the construction might affected, to keep them abreast of the construction.
The LAMATA boss said the Red Line was one of seven rail lines identified in the state’s Strategic Transport Master Plan for implementation for the mass movement of commuters to reduce road congestion.
She emphasized the importance of the 24-kilometre stretch between Oyingbo and Agbado, adding that it represents the first phase of the 37-kilometre rail project, adding that the railway was one of the effective ways through which cities dealt with traffic congestion.
“The Red Line is supposed to be a quick win because it will share tracks with the Nigerian Railway Corporation on its Lagos – Ibadan rail corridor.
“There will be no delay, no budget or cost overrun and there will not be any shift in delivery date and the rail will carry at least, 730 passengers on daily basis,” she said.
Akinajo, however, warned that the construction mighty affect some structures around Apapa Road but noted that the contractors had concluded arrangement to use the walkways along Muritala Bus-Stop at Ebute-Meta.
She also said that the state government had made provisions for residents that mighty be affected around mainland, adequately, including the shops owners.
Akinajo said that the state government had also launched E-ticketing which could be used to board ferry, Lagos Buses as well as the rail obtainable in the developed country.
In his remarks at the occasion, the Chairman, Lagos Mainland Local Government, Mrs Omolola Essien,solicited corporation of community leaders, in the area, to support the government to achieve the rail projects.
Essien, represented by the Vice Chairman of the council, Mr Jubril Emilagba urged the management of LAMATA to engage the local government and the community, to avoid inconveniences.
The High Chief, Eletu of Otto, Mr Samsideen Pedro advised government to be sincere with the compensation.
Pedro disclosed that family house was affected by the Lagos Bus Rapid Transit System, also known as BRT terminal at Oyingbo, but expressed concern that no compensation had been paid
He also asked the LAMATA management to consider youths of the area for employment at the end of the construction.
A Supervisor at the council, Alhaji Afeez Danmola, urged the management of LAMATA to interpret crossing instructions into local language for the residents to understand and imbibe the messages in them to avoid accident.
The council’s Secretary, Mr Wasiu Oguniyi pleaded with the agency to consider some of residents of the area, qualified as artisans, to be part of the contractors.
