After years of enduring a deplorable road network, residents of Baiyeku community can now have a breather with the Lagos State government’s approval of the reconstruction of its road.
The government said it will be commencing Phase 1 of the rehabilitation and upgrade of Odofin Street and Awolowo way (Igbogbo Bayeku Road) spanning from Yewa Junction down to Prince Abiodun Ogunleye Housing Estate in Igbogbo- Bayeku LCDA.
In a statement released by member of the Lagos State House Assembly representing Ikorodu Constituency 2, Honourable Nurudeen Solaja, the full remodeling of the road will commence in July, 2022.
He assured that the road will come with full drainages on both wings of the road, plus street lights.
The statement reads in part, “This full remodeling and upgrade of Baiyeku road billed to commence early 3rd quarter of this year (July, 2022), will officially kick off after an all inclusive stakeholders’ meeting.
“Exact date of the Stakeholders meeting will be officially announced in due course as that remain a viable platform that will forge a path for a seamless reconstruction process of the road.
“The full remodeling of the road will not only wear a new look, smooth road surface but also comes with full drainages on both sides of the roads, with street lights.
“The Executing agency handling the upgrade of the road is Lagos State Public Works Corporation (PWC) and as major stakeholders and partners in progress within the community, l want to officially solicit your support and utmost cooperation by extension towards ensuring a hitch-free execution throughout the construction period.”
Honourable Solaja commended the Lagos State government for responding to the yearnings of the residents of the affected community.
The statement reads, “Permit me to use this medium to appreciate Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwoolu for swiftly awarding the road, responding to the yearnings of my constituents.
“Kudos to Asiwaju Olorunfunmi Reuben Basorun, Alayeluwa, HRM Oba Barrister Abdulsemiudeen Orimadegun Kasali, Ikorodu Constituency Apex Leaders, Government of Igbogbo-baiyeku LCDA, leaders of our great party, community leaders (CDC, CDAs, residents) pushing for ‘Itesiwaju Ikorodu constituency 2’ in our individual and collective capacities.
“This would not have been possible without you. This is our project from facilitation to full award of the road contract. We all have a responsibility to guard it and ensure its seamless delivery to the residents and users of Igbogbo-Baiyeku road.”
Some residents have, however, expressed pessimism over the execution of the project.
Speaking to one, Alhaja Awau, she said that this is not the first time that promises like this has beem made to them, and that she has little hope in this after several failed promises in the past.
“This is not the first time they will come with this promise. That road has been bad for God knows how long now. It is as though we don’t have any government who recognizes us.
“Sometimes to even get bike that will take you past that road is always difficult. They will charge you costly amount because of the road.
“I am not expecting anything. If it comes, fine, if it does not, fine.”
Another resident, James John opined that this is all political gimmicks to get the vote of the residents.
“It is election period, so they will make promises like this, and maybe come and do half of the road and leave others. We all know all these. All this while, the road has been bad, they didn’t know it needs fixing. It is now election period, they want to repair it. We hope they do,” John said.
