Lagos State Government at the weekend announced that it would
begin to work on the urban regeneration of identified communities on Lagos
Island, the state Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has said.
Sanwo-Olu restated this when he paid a visit to one
of the urban regeneration centres, saying Lagos truly needs regeneration
especially on the Island.
The governor assured residents of the affected
areas that his administration would ensure a complete renewal of the community, emphasising on the building of drainage
channels, road upgrade and construction to ease vehicular movements of people
and goods.
Sanwo-Olu, who was accompanied by the Deputy
Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon Sanni Eshinlokun, and some
members of the State Executive Council, including the state Commissioner for
Physical Planning and Urban Development, Dr. Idris Salako, went round the Onala
playing ground, the demolished Jankara market, the Isalegangan regeneration
site, Adeniji Adele, Ebute Elefun and some areas around Idumagbo designated for
redevelopment.
The governor, during his electioneering last year,
spoke on the need for urban renewal especially in some communities on the Lagos
Island.
He also said sincerity is the major issue
militating against urban redevelopment in the state.
According to him, “When you want to regenerate
people’s properties, they must first see sincerity of purpose-what are the
additional plans that you have for them before you could regenerate?”
He assured Lagosians that his administration would
provide a stop gap for at least two to three years, adding that “you need to do
what we call proper enumeration.
“Once you can enumerate properly and determine who
the original owners of properties are, and you sit and have an agreement, then
the regeneration will start.”
He also assured the state that his administration would
work out a proper model before embarking on the project to ensure strong
confidence.
“I have stated that the major thing is sincerity of
purpose, knowing well that you are not out to circumvent them or short-change them.
“Once that is put on the table very clearly, we
will get a success of it,” Sanwo-Olu said.
Speaking on the governor's visit, the state Commissioner
for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Salako, said Lagos Island regeneration plan is
an important focal point for urban renewal of the Sanwo-Olu administration,
noting that it is the heart of Lagos-Isale Eko is a historical centre of the
state.
Salako said the government has also considered its
potential for socio-economic and cultural revival, noting that the regeneration
of Isale Eko will bring up its thriving arts and cultural vibes with local
markets and commercial activities.
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