In line with the administration’s plan to embark on urban regeneration of identified communities in Lagos, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, early Saturday morning visited some locations in Lagos Island.
The governor, who was accompanied by the Deputy Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Sanni Eshinlokun, and some members of the State Executive Council including the State’s Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Dr. Idris Salako, went round the Onala playing ground; the demolished Jankara market; the Isale gangan regeneration site; Adeniji Adele; Ebute Elefun and some areas around Idumagbo designated for redevelopment.
Sanwo-Olu restated his administration’s commitment to urban regeneration, saying that Lagos truly needed regeneration especially Lagos Island.
The governor assured residents of the affected areas that his administration would ensure a complete renewal of the entire community, emphasising on building of drainage channels, road upgrade and construction to ease vehicular movements of people and goods.
It will be recalled that Governor Sanwo-Olu, during electioneering spoke on the need for urban renewal especially in some communities in Lagos Island.
The governor also said sincerity is the major issue militating against urban redevelopment in the state.
Said he: “When you want to take people’s properties and you want to regenerate, 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 that his administration would work out a proper model before embarking on the project to ensure strong confidence.
“I have said the major thing is sincerity of purpose knowing that you are not out to circumvent them or to short-change them.
“Once that is put on the table very clearly and transparently, we will get a success of it,” he said.
Speaking on the governor’s visit, the Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Dr. Idris Salako, said Lagos Island regeneration plan was an important focal point for urban renewal of the Babajide Sanwo-Olu administration, noting that it was the heart of Lagos; Isale Eko, a historical centre.
Salako said the government had also considered its potentials for socio-economic and cultural revival, noting that the regeneration of Isale Eko would bring up its thriving arts and cultural vibes with local markets and commercial activities.
He said: ”Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu in line with the THEMES agenda of making Lagos a 21st Century Economy will tap into this dynamism and turn the potential into real investment opportunities and growth, in order to reverse the decay, slums and lack of effective services through the revitalisation programme for Lagos Island.”
He stated further that as part of the regeneration programme, the government will commence immediate re-planning of Jankara by preparing an action plan for the area.
”Work will also include infrastructure upgrade and resurfacing of the failed portion of the roads and de-silting of all drainage channels around the area and those around Adeniji Adele. The Onola playing field is also to be transformed to a befitting sporting centre that will help take the youths off the street and develop their potentials,” Salako stated.
