Coastal Road: Lekki Residents Seek Dangote's Intervention

Lekki Estates Residents and Stakeholders Association (LERSA), the umbrella body representing estates and communities from 1004 Estate to Epe in Lagos State, has appealed to businessman, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, for help in providing transportation infrastructure in the area.

The appeal was made in a letter to Dangote, Chairman, Dangote Group of Companies, and signed by Olorogun James Emadoye and Arc. OPA Ladega, LERSA President and Vice President.

In the letter, dated 20 March, LERSA expressed delight at the economic developments such as Dangote Refinery, Lekki Deep Seaports and Lekki Free Trade Zone, which it said will bring prosperity to the axis through increased job opportunities.

It, however, noted that there is a need for transportation infrastructure to support the huge investments made by Dangote and other investors, as what is currently available is grossly inadequate.

“We at LERSA, believe that the development of an alternative road and/or alternate mode of transportation such as rail is required to support the massive development and population explosion in the area.

“The construction of the Lekki Coastal Road or the construction of a rail system from Epe to Marina are suggested options for reducing the impending disaster when the refinery commences work.

“We are optimistic that as a businessman, you will be able to decide on the best (Coastal Road or rail) option for your intervention.

“We trust that you will use your connection and influence to work with the government to ensure that this urgently needed infrastructure is put in place,” LERSA stated.

It added that over the last two years, the wave of investments has led to population explosion in the axis, a development that has had a negative impact on the Lekki/Epe Expressway, the only road to the axis.

“Traffic congestion in and around the Lekki axis is at an all-time high due to the population growth and the single road for ingress/egress in the axis.

“Commuters plying this axis daily are currently experiencing wasted man-hours in traffic, making life a living hell for residents.

“It is also instructive to note that the various projects, including the Dangote Refinery and the Lekki Deep Seaports, are coming into operation soon and we cannot imagine the disaster this would cause to commuters on this single road in this axis,” added LERSA.

The association expressed readiness to partner with Dangote Group and government agencies to ensure that the infrastructure is provided.