Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu has disclosed that the groundbreaking for the much awaited 4th Mainland Bridge, will hold by the end of the first quarter of this year.
The governor said this while reeling out different developmental projects that will be commissioned in 2024.
Sanwo-Olu disclosed this at a town hall meeting with the people of Lagos West Senatorial District held in Ikeja on Thursday.
The occasion was the first town hall meeting organized by Governor Sanwo-Olu since his inauguration for the second term and it was meant for the governor to interact and get feedback from citizens on the THEMES PLUS agenda.
Governor Sanwo-Olu noted that his administration was committed to ensuring a greater Lagos as it hopes to unveil different developmental projects that will make life easier for Lagosians.
Among the projects which the governor listed includes, Redline rail project slated for commissioning in February by President Bola Tinubu, the groundbreaking for the much awaited 4th Mainland Bridge slated for March 2024 and others.
Sanwo-Olu said his government had been able to improve on the state’s transportation master plan to address traffic gridlocks, build smart infrastructure, embark on health reforms, enhance education, poverty alleviation programmes among others.
During the interactive session, participants at the meeting were worried at the high level of insecurity in the country, expressed concern that Lagos, being the commercial centre of the country, could also witness an increase in insecurity as more Nigerians move into the state from states currently experiencing high levels of insecurity.
The Ayangburen of Ikorodu, Oba Kabiru Shotobi who spoke on behalf of other traditional rulers present at the event asked governor Sanwo-Olu for measures the state government is putting in place to curb insecurity.
He also demanded to know why the Federal Government has refused to recognise the 37 Local Council Development Areas (LCDA), despite the ruling party in the State being at the centre.
A Nollywood actor, Adeoye Adewale popularly known as Elesho decried the deplorable state of the Ijebu-Ode/Itokin Road, adding that the road, which links Ikorodu in Lagos State to Ogun State is strategic but has been abandoned by the government.
Taiwo Ogunniyi, a chief from Badagry also expressed concern on overpopulation in some areas such as Lagos Island, adding there was the need for the state government to develop rural areas along Badagry Road so as to decongest some parts of the state.
Other areas of concern were youth involvement in government at the local government level and disobedience to traffic rules by some Lagosians.
In his response, the governor said in the area of insecurity, the state government is taking the issue of security seriously adding that regular meetings are held with security agencies such as the police, army and navy.
He further said other measures like meetings with traditional rulers, Community Development Associations ( CDAs) and the establishment of the Neighbourhood Watch has helped to combat insecurity in the state.
In the area of bad roads, governor Sanwo-Olu said the Federal Government has awarded the construction of Ijebu-Ode/ Itoikin Road but commencement of work on the road is hampered by funding.
He promised that the contractor would move to the site once the government secured funding.
The governor further said several infrastructures were being developed along the Badagry Road to open up the area. He listed the infrastructures which include the second phase of the Blue Rail Line which will run from Mile 2 to Okokomaiko among others.
Speaking on the request for special status for Lagos and recognition for the 37 LCDAs, Sanwo-Olu said talks, lobbying and negotiations are ongoing between the state government and the national assembly.
Sanwo-Olu urged Lagosians to obey traffic and environmental laws and pay their taxes to enable the government to meet up with its activities.