…assures rail transit will significantly improve commuting within metropolis
The Lagos State Government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding for the Green Line Rail Mass Transit Project which is to span the expanse of Lekki corridor within the state.
This revelation was made by the Commissioner for Transportation, Mr. Oluwaseun Osiyemi in response to the questions raised by the Lagos State House of Assembly Committee on Transportation led by Hon. Temitope Adewale, the Chairman during a courtesy visit of the committee to the ministry.
In a statement, Mrs. Bolanle Ogunlola,the Deputy Director Public Affairs, quoted the Transport Commissioner to have stated that the addition of the Green Line to the existent Blue Line which has transported over 2 million passengers since inception and Red Line which will convey 750,000 passengers daily at its kick off, will significantly improve commuting within the state. He also said that the plan for the second phase of the Blue Line, Mile 2 to Okokomaiko is underway.
Mr. Osiyemi also disclosed that the Ministry was currently working on creating 2 Interchanges to ensure the interconnectivity of the modes especially in areas where all of the available modes exist (Road, Water and Rail), adding that the interconnectivity of the modes was deliberate to ensure that there is no lacuna in the implementations of these plans.
Speaking on the areas of concern raised about the Lekki-Epe Corridor and the impact of the refinery along the axis, the Commissioner elaborated on the modality of the E-call Up System. He explained that 7 trailer parks are available to prevent trucks from loitering on the corridor as well as a RFID which will ensure compliance to the e-call up system as it will expose any truck not scheduled to be at the port or parks.
He also revealed that plans are also underway to ensure containers are moved via water on barges in ten’s to further reduce the congestion on the corridor.
In affirmation, the Permanent Secretary, Mr. Olawale Musa explained that the number one hindrance to fully digitize enforcement is the lack of data.
He decried that many motorists especially commercial vehicles submit incorrect data to the Government due to the use of agents to procure vital vehicular and driver documentation hence the continued use of physical enforcement. He further stated that the Ministry has prioritized training of its enforcement and traffic management officers to ensure that they deliver on providing sanity on Lagos roads.
The Chairman House Committee on Transportation, Hon. Temitope Adewale applauded the Ministry for living up to its responsibility as the first on the THEMES+ Agenda, he enjoined the Ministry to provide a project status report to enable the House of Assembly monitor and stay abreast of the plans of the ministry and as well support the projects in line with their functions as representatives of the people.
Other members in attendance include; Hon. Afinni Olanrewaju, Hon. Slyvester Ogunkelu, Hon. Olootu Emmanuel and Hon. Kazeem. O and other Officers from the Lagos State House of Assembly and the Management of Ministry of Transportation.
