Gridlock: Sanwo-Olu commissions Multi-Storey parking space at Onikan

-Facility to accommodate 384 cars with 1,000 capacity for guests

IBRAHIM QUADRI

As part of efforts to address Lagos gridlock, the State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Tuesday commissioned multi-storey facility, with a capacity to accommodate 384 cars on five suspended floors to ease the age long parking problem along Onikan, Lagos.

Aside the parking lots, provision was also made for social activities on the 6th floor which consists of two banquet halls with a capacity to sit between 600 and 1000 guests.

Speaking during the commissioning, Governor Sanwo-Olu said, “This Multi-Level Facility Building was conceived in 2013 to provide solution to this problem which essentially is generated by activities related to the stadium and other primary social centres such as Island Club, Yoruba Tennis Club, Lagos Lawn Tennis Club, King George V Park, Police Command Recreational Centre as well as other facilities in the neighbourhood.

The Governor gave assurance that the facility would be supported by efficient traffic management and an Automated Fare Collection Service (AFCS) to offer an operable payment solution to prevent traffic dovetailing into the main road.

Sanwo-Olu added, “At the inception of this admnistration, we promised that our government will work for all, no matter your race, creed or gender. Several months after, we are still committed to this cause and this has neccesiated that we expand and extend the reach of infrastructure to fastrack growth and development across the State.

“From the very beginning till now, we have continually worked to deliver projects that will directly impact on the lives of all Lagosians. Our admnistration has completed several iconic projects and the multilevel car park facility we are commissioning today is another step towards the fulfilling one of the goals of the pillar ‘T’ in our THEMES Agenda, which stands for TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT AND TRANSPORTATION. This is a major standpoint of our admnistration as Traffic management is a major driver of our economy.

“Lagos Island could be modestly referenced as one of the largest commercial corridors in the state. There is therefore, a corresponding increase in commuting, especially, high volume of vehicular traffic including social activities, culminating in traffic gridlock and pressure along this corridor.

“Apart from ensuring that parking activities are conducted and coordinated in safe and comfortable environment, , as well as ensuring free flow of traffic as there will no longer be disruption to vehicular movement resulting from parking on the streets.

“Undoubtedly, this infrastructure will bring great improvements to this axis of Lagos Island as it will serve the purpose of reducing indiscriminate parking and greatly resolve traffic gridlocks as well as enhance the ability of businesses to effectively operate. This ceremony is symbolic of our steady movement towards the Smart Megacity of our dream; a Lagos where no one is slowed down and where we all succeed together.”

In her welcome address, Special Adviser to the Governor on Works and Infrastructure, Engr Aramide Adeyoye said, “This is done with the belief that it will extend development across Lagos and grow the economy of the State through a robust infrastructure portfolio.

“In its completion, we are bound to promote economic development and ultimately improve the standard of living of Lagosians.

“This Facility Building is significantly important because of its large size parking capacity, income generation potential and its location strategically within the heart of Onikan. Its judicious use will no doubt help absorb vehicles that would have otherwise parked on the roadside and other illegal parking places along the corridor with its attendant negative impact on traffic flow.”