Lagos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode yesterday said the state government will formally sign a Memorandum of Understanding, (MOU), with investors for the construction of the proposed 4th Mainland Bridge before the end of next month.
Speaking at the Third Quarterly Town Hall meeting held in Ikorodu , the governor said once the MOU was signed next month, works would begin on the 4th Mainland Bridge which would boost the economy of Lagos East Senatorial District.
He said, “Many investors have shown interest in the actualization of our dream for the 4th Mainland Bridge which will run from Ajah to Ikorodu to Isawo and berth at Ojodu, Ikeja back to the Ibadan expressway,” he said.
The 4th Mainland Bridge had been in the pipeline for the past 12 years but nothing significant had been achieved. The construction of the bridge is expected to cost over N240 billion. The 4th Mainland bridge construction would take off from Ajah through Langbasa to Ikorodu.
Ambode offered hope on the project when he said, the MOU for the bridge construction would be signed before the end of May, 2016.
Speaking on security, the governor said the state had achieved major breakthrough, saying that since the launch of the N4.78 billion security equipment, the state had won several battles against crime.
According to him, the quick response in the rescue of the kidnapped girls in Ikorodu and the quelling of the Mile 12 riot were testimonies of the effectiveness of the security system in Lagos.
Ambode added that many criminals had so far been arrested since the launch of the security equipment, saying that he was ready to pay for information given that would lead to the arrest of hardened criminals.
“I am ready to pay monetary compensation for information on hardened criminals as we proceed to make Lagos crime-free. We are happy to report that crime rate has also reduced in the last Three months,” he said.
On Okada riders on Ikorodu Road, the governor ordered the Commissioner of Police and other security agencies to enforce the law on the route and ensure that okada riders did not carry passengers from Mile 12 to Ikorodu on the expressway.
“As much as okada is dangerous to our safety and security, we as government must create alternative, but I am happy that all our leaders and traditional leaders are here; with what we have provided on the Mile 12 axis, I don’t think anybody will want to ride okada again, it will fizzle out before I take my final action.
“The truth is about safety. We have banned okada on that axis, the CP, RRS and others should enforce the law. Anyone you take, you send them out of business. You have to confiscate the okada and prosecute the people,” he said.
The governor re-emphasised that from now on, okada riders would not be tolerated between Mile 12 and Ikorodu again, as government would take drastic action to nip the menace in the bud for the safety of lives.