The Lagos State government on Wednesday unveiled plans to build a Model City in Kosofe area of the state.
Dr Idris Salako, Commissioner, Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development, announced the plans at the Inception Workshop on Kosofe Model City Plan held at Centre for Management Development, Shaginsha, Magodo.
Salako said the city would provide lasting and pragmatic solutions to traffic congestion, flooding amongst others in that area.
“The government is committed to improving the lives of the people at all levels, especially those at the grassroots so the project would help in doing that.
“The Kosofe Model City Plan Area is located at Northern part of Lagos and it is home to major urban activities like the Foodstuff Market, Mile 12, Fruit Market, Ketu, and Auto Spare Part Market in Owode-Onirin.
“The desire of the state government to prepare Kosofe Model City Plan would help propel Lagos State to enviable heights amongst the comity of sustainable cities and help to take the economy of the state to greater heights.
“We are determined and committed to improve the lives of people across all boards, so the approval of this project by the Lagos government is a big win for all,” he said.
Salako noted that the workshop was to engage stakeholders and people in the community on the benefits of the model city.
“It is noteworthy that the ministry has the statutory responsibility to prepare the guide for a workable physical environment in order to ensure that each distinguishable district is self reliant and can interrelate properly.
“The Ministry prepares the plans with active engagement of the people of the plan area in a way that they are involved through all aspects of the preparation modules and as such considers effective feedback.
“We have the culture of continuous and effective engagement of stakeholders in the preparation of the development plans in order to achieve success and one of such initiatives is today’s programme,” he said.
He emphasised that the project would not involve demolishing of houses as proper planning had been carried out.
“One of the fears of the people is that the project would involve the demolition of several houses, but I want to assure that it isn’t going to be that case.
“One of the reasons for this workshop is to involve critical stakeholders so that everyone can express their worries and we would ensure that everything is taken into consideration,” he said.
He urged the public to support the state government and ensure prompt payment of taxes for rapid development of the state.
Mr Ayodele Adediran, Consultant, Urban Planning Smart Solution Limited (UPSSL), noted that the project would facilitate organised trading activities and decongestion in housing amongst others.
“The project would help in reducing flood in the area and this would help to improve transportation system, which would be similar to Agege overhead bridge.
“It is important that all stakeholders key into this project and work together because this would help in every category,” he said.
Mr John Thomas, a stakeholder, urged the government to ensure timely completion of the project.
“We have had so many cases of projects that would start and they would never be completed despite the government’s promises.
“The government should ensure that this project would be completed because it has so many advantages and opportunities for everyone involved in it,” he said. (NAN)
