Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State has urged landlords and landowners in the Ifako-Ijaiye Local Government Area to refrain from increasing rents for houses and shops following the completion of new infrastructure in the area.
The governor made the appeal on Monday during the inauguration of the Abiola/Ajayi/Ogba and Obawole/Iju-Ishaga roads, which include a 643-meter road and a bridge with slip roads. The project, launched on October 24, 2022, replaces a swamp area that previously relied on a wooden bridge used for a fee.
Sanwo-Olu emphasized that the new infrastructure aims to ease the lives of residents, not create financial stress.
“I want to appeal to landlords and landowners: do not increase your rents or land prices. The essence of this infrastructure is to bring relief to the people, not create further hardship,” he said.
The governor also urged community leaders to maintain the infrastructure and prevent misuse, such as dumping waste on the bridge.
“Please ensure the residents can enjoy the benefits after enduring years of environmental challenges. Kabiyesi, kindly ensure this bridge is not used as a dumping site,” he added.
Sanwo-Olu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to addressing longstanding issues, including flooding and transportation difficulties.
Further Commitment to Development Projects
Highlighting the administration’s achievements, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Infrastructure, Mr. Olufemi Daramola, reiterated their dedication to completing impactful projects for the people of Lagos.
In addition to the Ifako-Ijaiye road projects, Sanwo-Olu also inaugurated the Alapere pedestrian bridge in Kosofe Local Government Area. The bridge, destroyed by an articulated vehicle in December last year, has now been rebuilt to enhance pedestrian safety in the area.
The governor’s appeal and the newly inaugurated projects underline Lagos State’s focus on creating sustainable and accessible infrastructure for its residents.