Governor Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State on Thursday inaugurated and handed over Yaya Abatan Road, Ifako-Ijaiye in Ogba area of the state to the community.
The 2.9 kilometre road was delivered with seven connecting inner-city roads, covered drains, pedestrian walkways, speed breakers and streetlights.
Speaking at the ceremony, Fashola said that the inauguration of the road was in fulfilment of his electoral promise to speed up development in every part of the state.
According to him, the road is a demonstration of government`s resolve to improve transport infrastructure with a view to improving the socio-economic lives of the people.
He explained that handing over the road on May 29 was in line with the government’s tradition of delivering “life-impacting democratic dividends on every Democracy Day”.
Fashola said: “Today is Democracy Day and as you might have noticed over the last few years, every Democracy Day has become a day that we make particular impact and statement about our commitment in improving lives in the state.
“Last year, we handed over the Lekki-Ikoyi Link Bridge to reduce travel time in that area of Lagos.
“The year before, we inaugurated the Lagos Traffic Radio to give residents information that will enable them to plan their journeys.
“In 2011, we inaugurated a concession for about 25-bus-franchise holders to ease transportation through buses.
“And today, we are handing over this 2.9km road with seven connecting inner-city roads.
“The delivery of impacting projects on a day like this, for us, is the true meaning and the purpose of democracy.”
The governor thanked all tax-paying citizens of the state, saying that commitment to their civic responsibility contributed to the realisation of the project and other projects in the state.
Fashola said that the new road would have economic impact on the area as it would promote business activities and raise value of property.
He appealed to the people in the area not to trade on the road or turn it to a parking lot, adding that the road was built to last for a long time.
He also warned the residents against cutting the road or doing other things that could reduce its life span.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, said the road was a testimony of democratic dividends.
Hamzat said that the road was strategic as it linked the area to places like Iju-Ishaga, Ogba and adjoining locations.
Hamzat disclosed that 987 jobs were created during the construction of the road, adding that the project also provided indirect empowerment to other people.
He warned the residents against dumping refuse in the drains as the practice could cause flooding and damage the road.
He said: “These drains are covered and they are supposed to move water.
“Therefore, you must make sure that you don’t dump garbage in them.
“If you do that, the water will not move and it would cause flooding and damage the road.”
The commissioner announced that no fewer than 209 road projects were ongoing across the state and pledged government`s commitment of speedy execution “to further promote development”.
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