Lagos Island regeneration to add value, curb flooding — LASG

“We have two or three parties interested in taking up the underbridge. They have come up with their designs, and we are here to ensure that these designs conform to state standards,” he said.

Wahab stated that officials regularly visit the sites to engage proponents, define boundaries and review designs, adding that adjustments were made where necessary to ensure optimal outcomes.

He noted that one of the proponents had also opted to beautify the Idumota underbridge, which was cleared of traders last year to protect public infrastructure and repurpose the space for community use.

“The beautification will include table tennis courts and other sporting facilities, public toilets and green areas. We have asked them to submit the final drawings for approval and to continue interfacing with the local government chairman,” he said.

The commissioner said that progress had been recorded in several locations, including Obalende underbridge, which has been cleared and taken over, and Ijora underbridge, where a football pitch is being developed.

“Now, Oja Oba underbridge and Idumota are also set for transformation. We have indeed made progress,” he said.

Wahab said work was generally progressing according to plan, although a slight setback was observed around Ojo Giwa Street, where contractors had to temporarily dam sections of the area to stabilise adjoining zones.

“The contractors will commence work immediately, using precast materials. They also had to tweak the design because the road is narrow, to ensure it meets regeneration standards,” he added.

He said project completion would be phased, with some sections ready within six months, others in 12 months and some in about 14 months, stressing that residents were already beginning to see results.

“I appeal to residents to be patient. You cannot make an omelette without breaking eggs. There will be some inconvenience, like a woman in labour,” he said, apologising for the temporary discomfort.

On waste management and the proposed declaration of monthly environmental sanitation, Wahab said the announcement would be made in the coming weeks, urging residents not to wait for official sanitation days before cleaning their surroundings.

He reiterated that Lagos did not have a waste problem but a discipline problem, adding that government was taking decisive steps to address negative human behaviour.

Wahab said markets located along expressways were major contributors to illegal waste disposal, citing cases where traders ignored provided waste bins and dumped refuse on road medians, particularly along the Badagry Expressway.

He added that officials of the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) had been working to clear waste obstructing rail tracks in the area, warning that the government would henceforth “wield the big stick” against environmental offenders.

Other areas visited during the inspection included Idumota underbridge, Aroloya Street, Alfred Rewane Collector, Bourdillon Collector, MacPherson Collector, Five Cowries Creek and parts of Ikoyi.