When It’s Not Just About Embarking On Projects
Posted on October 13, 2024
ALINNOR ARINZE A.
Any Government is seen as being responsible and responsive when it hits the ground running in genuine response to meeting the needs of the people as may have been outlined during the electioneering campaigns or as contained in the political party’s manifesto.
Across the length and breath of the country, Government at different levels often embark on projects, which are of interest to the people occupying the offices but not really considered top priority by the people. But the case is different at the Centre of Excellence, Lagos State, as most of the projects are tailored towards aligning with the Masterplan or an improvement on the Masterplan.
Years ago, during a leadership training programme, we were taught that leaders must show deep understanding of the five phases of project life cycle viz Design, Planning, Execution, Monitoring, and Closing. We were equally taught that emerging leaders must shun the negative practices of the past and ensure they determine the need for projects, carry out risk assessments and management and more importantly do proper environmental impact assessments so that they do not end up creating future issues in their bid to solve current problems with projects.
With the future in mind, the Lagos State Government collaborated with the Nigeria Railway Corporation, NRC, to work on the rail lines in different parts of the State. This genuine effort by Government necessitated the construction of terminal buildings, expansion of rail tracks, construction of flyovers and adjoining roads. All these were geared towards solving traffic gridlocks, saving hours often wasted in traffic and for easy movement of goods and services. So far, the noble intentions of Government can be seen clearly even by detractors.
While taking a critical look at the genuine intentions of Government in solving the traffic issues around the Ikeja axis, one is left to ponder if actually some factors were considered before the execution of the projects especially that of its impact to the immediate environment.
The flyover at the Ikeja axis, the good intentions of Government notwithstanding, has come with pain and challenges to Ikeja residents and environs. First, since the commissioning of the flyover by the working Governor of the Centre of Excellence, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the streetlights that were installed alongside had remained decorative items and not providing illumination to motorists or pedestrians. The pedestrian bridge taking people into Ikeja from the expressway is being avoided by many because it is rather too high. The pedestrian bridge also came with safety issues because of the absence of light on it. The absence of light has made it a danger zone for users especially at night; it not only endangers the lives of pedestrians but also provides a haven for criminal activities. It is imperative that streetlights or proper lighting fixtures are installed on the bridge to enhance the security and safety of all who use it.
To prevent pedestrians from walking on the rail tracks or bumping into vehicles on the expressway, a wall has been constructed on both sides. While the intention is good enough, I believe strongly that the wall should have been constructed with perforations to allow for visibility for both pedestrians and motorists. That way, anyone passing through can be seen from the road, thus improving safety and security. Presently, the wall creates a “criminal tunnel”, where visibility is completely blocked, increasing the likelihood of unlawful activities occurring unnoticed. I do think that a revision of the design to include perforated blocks would address this concern effectively.
Whenever it rains, another challenge is experienced at that point. Pedestrians and motorists battle the flooding caused as a result of improper channeling. As at Friday 11th October, 2024, efforts were seen being made to desilt the drainage close to the expressway to ameliorate the situation while the bridge was closed and pedestrians allowed to walk across the rail tracks into Ikeja.
I therefore, use this medium to call on the relevant authorities to look at the critical issues around the projects so that whatever was not factored into the initial construction plan or environmental impact assessment will be addressed holistically.
It is on record that aside the solar powered streetlights facilitated by the lawmaker representing Ikeja Federal Constituency, Hon. James Abiodun Faleke, no part of Ikeja, the capital of the Centre of Excellence, is illuminated once it gets dark. The issue of perennial flooding experienced by residents of Anifowoshe Community must be addressed as several efforts made by the community to get the needed attention had not yielded any fruit. At the official commissioning of the project which negatively affected them, efforts by the Anifowoshe residents to get Governor Sanwo-Olu’s attention were thwarted by political actors, who felt it will embarrass the Governor should the residents carry placards to get attention.
We have a working and listening Governor, who knows it is not just about embarking on projects but how they affect the citizens. So expectedly, in the coming days, Ikeja residents especially on the Anifowoshe axis, will hopefully experience lasting relief.
– Alinnor Arinze, a Media Consultant writes from Ikeja, Lagos.
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