In a move to assess the dilapidated state of the abandoned St. Finbarrs Road, the Committee on Works of the Lagos State House of Assembly, led by Hon. Desmond Elliot, has conducted an inspection to gain firsthand knowledge and assess the urgent intervention needed in the Akoka Community yesterday.
During the inspection, Elliot, along with a five-man delegation and the contractor, emphasised the committee’s commitment to ensuring the completion of the abandoned project.
The St. Finbarrs Road rehabilitation, lingering in a state of neglect for approximately three years in the Akoka Community Development Area, has inflicted hardship on the residents, limiting accessibility to only a part of the road.
The Committee Chairman revealed that the Lagos state government had disbursed 69 percent of the project’s total cost to the contractor, a sum deemed sufficient for completing up to 90% of the project. The contractor, however, denied receiving 69 percent.
Addressing the concerns raised by residents and shop owners, Hon. Elliot acknowledged the adverse impact on business activities due to the deteriorating road condition. He assured swift intervention, promising discussions in the House of Assembly and a prompt resumption of work.
Hon. Elliot apologised for the hardships faced by residents and businesses, assuring them that the government remains committed to fulfilling its promises for a better quality of life. He advised the contractor to improve road accessibility temporarily through palliatives while resolving the issues with the government.
Additionally, Hon. Elliot reaffirmed the contractor’s upcoming appearance before the Assembly to address the project concerns.
Speaking on the abandoned road rehabilitation, the member of the Lagos State House of Assembly representing Shomolu 11, Hon. Samuel Apata, assured the community that the issue of the abandoned road would be resolved within a few months.
Former Chairman, Mr. Segun Adesanya, emphasised that, should no action be taken before the end of December, a protest would be staged at the House of Assembly