Gov. Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State on Saturday urged commercial drivers to help reduce the incessant gridlock in the state by respecting traffic rules and regulations.
Ambode made the call at the inauguration of Ketu-Alapere Lay-By and Bus Stop Expansion at Kosofe, Lagos.
Represented by his Deputy, Dr Idiat Adebule, the governor said transport unions must educate their members to abide by the state traffic laws.
He also urged the commercial drivers not to use the expanded Alapere-Ketu Bus stop for union activities, warning that anyone caught would be sanctioned.
According to him, with the provision of the lay-bys, commercial vehicles have no cause to create gridlocks.
“Today, a new dawn manifests as motorists and residents in Alapere axis will experience a new lease of life with improved traffic management that will ease transportation of goods and persons.
“This will also translate into a value chain of productivity, health benefits and prosperity for all.
“The Alapere-Ketu Lay-By is characterised by the construction of two-lane access road from Iyana-Oworonsoki inwards Alapere-Ketu that will relieve traffic flow towards Lagos-Ibadan Expressway and Ojodu Berger Axis, ” he said.
Ambode implored residents to support the government by protecting the infrastructure provided to enhance mobility and commercial development in the state.
Also speaking, Mr Olanrewaju Elegushi, Special Adviser to Gov. Ambode on Transportation, said that the was committed to strengthening the transport sector because of its importance to the economy.
Elegushi described the lay-bys as parts of the measures put in place by the administration to unlock the traffic gridlock on Third Mainland Bridge and other parts of Lagos.
In his remarks, Mr Biodun Otunola, Managing Director of the construction firm, Planet Projects Ltd, said the project was completed in less than four months as against the stipulated seven months.
Otunola said that modern roads were no longer designed for cars alone but to also take care of pedestrians, commercial buses, people living with disabilities and beatification.
He appreciated the state government for employing Nigerian construction company to handle the project and urged other state governments to do same.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Alapere Lay-By project, which commenced in June, was designed to improve the transportation system and ease traffic congestion in the state.(NAN)