Traffic relief for Alimosho: Sanwo-Olu Commissions Abaranje Road, announces Ikotun roundabout flyover construction

By Ezurike Ugochukwu

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has commissioned the newly rehabilitated and upgraded 3.86km Abaranje Road in Igando-Ikotun Local Council Development Area (LCDA) of Alimosho, bringing relief to commuters on the axis that serves as a major arterial that provides access from the densely populated Abaranje Community to Igando on LASU-Iba Road in Igando.

Speaking during the commissioning, Sanwo-Olu said the reconstruction of the Abaranje Road further demonstrates the unwavering commitment of his administration to continually energise the local economy by providing essential infrastructure that promotes development across the nooks and crannies of the state.

He said the state government is determined to bring relief to residents and make commuting pleasurable for the people. The governor noted that aside from the commissioned roads, Alimosho has a fair share of road projects completed by the Sanwo-Olu-led administration.

The Governor said the completion of the project marked a new milestone in his administration’s traffic management efforts in Alimosho, stressing that his Government’s goal was to improve quality of life for residents and enable quick turnaround time for road users.

Prior to its comprehensive rehabilitation, Abaranje Road was in deplorable shape with narrow lanes that were riddled with failed sections, causing perennial hardship for road users. As the population grew, the road became increasingly difficult to navigate, becoming a death trap for vehicles.

“The reconstruction of this famous Abaranje Road is a testament to our determination to bring relief to residents and road users on this axis. This project is more than a road expansion and reconstruction, it is a life-changing experience for our citizens living on this road. The means of livelihoods lost due to the deplorable condition of the road have now been restored.

“Alimosho has reaped a lot of democracy dividends from our Government. We have handed over strategic roads in this council to combat heavy traffic congestion. This is another critical intervention that is supporting our efforts towards tackling congestion. Aside from fostering connectivity, this infrastructure will galvanise the local economy and improve quality of life.”

The governor in the course of the commissioning led members of the State’s cabinet to inspect the notorious Ikotun roundabout said to be responsible for significant traffic jams witnessed on the arterial road.

The Governor proposed construction of a flyover over the roundabouts as a solution to the gridlock that is daily experienced on the spot. He assessed the impact of the proposed solution on the livelihoods, vehicular movement and pedestrian safety.

Sanwo-Olu said: “Ikotun Roundabout is a critical intersection we are working on and it is part of the road projects we want to take on in Alimosho. There are traffic issues and street trading issues that are resulting in congestion in the area. The issues are complex but it is for us to move in and solve the problems. We have done extensive assessment of how best to proceed on the project.”

Also in the Dopemu axis, Sanwo-Olu commissioned the newly reconstructed 1.8km Dopemu Road, now Babajide Sanwo-Olu Road in Agege Local Government Area, upgrading the carriageway to cater for increasing traffic.

The Governor, joined by his deputy, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, and members of the State’s cabinet, said the projects were “strategic” towards improving connectivity and transport infrastructure in Alimosho.

“I want to assure you that this is not going to be the last stop in Alimosho. Projects commissioning will be a continuous exercise for us in this area. As a Government, we are committed to ensuring that every part of the State is not left untouched. I want to emphasise that our vision is to leave behind a world class infrastructure that will last for decades.”

Special Adviser to the Governor on Infrastructure, Engr. Olufemi Daramola, said the upgraded roads would significantly ease traffic congestion, reduce travel time and provide a safer transit experience for residents and commuters.

He said the successful construction of the strategic roads further demonstrated the Sanwo-Olu administration’s commitment to bridging infrastructure gaps, easing mobility and improving the quality of life for Lagosians.

Speaking on behalf of his subjects, Onikotun of Ikotun, Oba Azeez Gbadabiu Asiwaju, thanked the Governor for listening to the residents’ demand for the rehabilitation of Abaranje Road, noting that the infrastructure would open more inaccessible communities within the area.

Also in the Dopemu axis, Sanwo-Olu commissioned the newly reconstructed 1.8km Dopemu Road, now Babajide Sanwo-Olu Road in Agege Local Government Area, upgrading the carriageway to cater for increasing traffic.

The Governor, joined by his deputy, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, and members of the State’s cabinet, said the projects were “strategic” towards improving connectivity and transport infrastructure in Alimosho.