Lagos to sign MoU on 4th Mainland Bridge in May

The Lagos Sate Government will sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with investors for the construction of the proposed 4th Mainland Bridge before the end of May this year.

Governor Akinwunmi Ambode, said this on Thursday at the first quarter 2016 Town Hall Meeting, the third in the series, held in Ikorodu. He assured residents of the state that once the MoU was signed, work would begin, which according to him, would go a long way to boost the economy of Lagos East Senatorial District.

The governor was of the opinion that many investors had shown interest in the actualisation of the project. He said all things being equal, the signing of the MoU would be done before the end of May 29, this year.

“Many investors have shown interest in the actualisation of our dream for the 4th Mainland Bridge, which will run from Ajah to Ikorodu to Isawo and berth at Ojodu, Ikeja back to the Ibadan Expressway. By the grace of God, we will sign MoU and commence action before May 29.”

He said investors had equally shown interest in the redevelopment of the fish market to an international one and the redevelopment of inner roads in Epe and Ibeju-Lekki.

Ambode said that the intention of his administration was to ensure that no part of the state was left undeveloped, expressing optimism that the Lagos East Senatorial District which used to be the economic hub of the state, in the then Western Region, would regain its position.

“Over the years, the economic activities have continually dwindled resulting in urban migration, underdevelopment and unemployment.  It is with a view to revitalising the economic activities of this zone that government has identified a need for urgent intervention.

“To this end, government will be relocating the Mile 12 Market to Imota.  Work on this will commence next week.  Our vision is to make the East Senatorial zone economically viable and liveable,” he said.

On the issue of a total ban on commercial motorcycles otherwise known as okada, which the people supported, the Governor said: “I’m encouraged by this very transparent, credible, free and fair affirmation, which I just got from the people. From the response, many of the people in this hall are in support of a total ban on Okada and since this is a government of the people, all the security agencies in Lagos – including the Police, Task Force, LASTMA and others, to start with, are hereby directed to fully enforce the ban on Okada between Mile 12 and Ikorodu.

“We will not tolerate Okada on the road and I hereby emphasise that there is no more Okada on Mile 12-Ikorodu Road. Anyone caught flouting this directive will have their Okada impounded and we would prosecute such people before the court,” the Governor said.