Stakeholders Jaw-Jaw On Proposed Badagry Masterplan

With the proposed expansion of Lagos- Badagry Expressway to 10 lanes with a light rail transit system that will make the area the hub of commerce and industry in the West Africa sub-region, a new masterplan is being proposed for the ancient town.

The new masterplan will stem unplanned and indiscriminate erection of structures in the area as well as ensure that all houses to be built in the area follow specific patterns as specified by the town planning laws of Lagos State.

Key stakeholders in Badagry division gathered last week to deliberate and put their input into the new masterplan.

The stakeholders were led by the Akran of badagry, Aholu Menu Toyi II, Oba babatunde Akran, while indigenes and other residents contributed to the discussion and offer useful suggestions.

The design of the proposed masterplan is being done by Dar al Handasar Company which presented the stage one report of the masterplan containing new tourist centres, modern markets and water transportation, among others.

Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Fransisco Abosede, noted that the state had attained the status of a mega city since her population was well over 18 million with current eight percent growth rate, adding that by 2015, the state was expected to be the third largest city in the world.

He stated that adequate provision must be made for Lagos in the area of master plan, in order to correct the decadence housing challenges and traffic congestion had brought and stem the increased growth of slums occasioned by the neglect of the 1980 Master Plan.

Abosede stressed that the current administration was determined'' to change the face of Lagos by transforming it into a functional, aesthetic and safe place for all to work, invest and recreate.''

He reiterated that the series of master plans were backed up laws for the purpose of sustainability, sequel to the Lagos Regional Plan of 1980 to 2000, which had been replaced by a new law, adding that these master plans were conceived to rejuvenate and revitalize areas that have suffered urban decay in the past cosmopolitan cities.

Abosede explained further that the master plans would , in the the near future , have a positive multiplying effect on existing infrastructure, reduce crime rate,improve environmental quality and also ease traffic and housing problems in the state.