Date Published: 04/27/09
Kudos and Knocks for Governor Fashola
BY ADEOSUN OLUSEGUN PETER
I was one of those people that had little faith in the ability of Governor Babatunde Fashola to turn Lagos state around in the next four years,this as a result of the series of disspointment we have received from the past administrations and the magnitude of the workload to be done. Because Lagos is a unique metropolis,compared to other states in terms of population,transportation system,drainage,general environment,crime among other social features.
But I was impressed on March 17,2008,when the Lagos State Mega Transport system, known as Bus Rapid Response,BRT,was launched. Of course the BRT has been hailed by many as noble idea that has,in a bit, eased transportation system in Lagos State.
Few months after the BRT launch at Ojota,the state government embarked on an environmnetal beautification projects called Operaton Green Lagos. Various parts of the state now wear a new look. Old terminals have been renovated,while new ones are being built,this is indeed a good job. The governmnet has also engaged in aggressive demolition of illegal structures in the state in order to achieve the new Lagos mega city project. The ‘cleansing’ exercise at Oshodi,on Janurary 4,2009,carried our by the government,enjoyed more commendation within and outside the country. During the cleansing ,shops and stalls were demolished,the traders were chased from the road. Like wise ,the state government is preparing to carry out a mass demolition of structures along Lagos-Badagry expressway in order to expand the road and construct a modern rail system.
The Lagos state government is indeed doing well and it is leaving no stone unturned in realising its mega ciyt-dream. New roads have been built and major sub-urban areas have been deveoloped.
However, the only grudge I have with the Fashola-led administration is the failure to provide alternative places for the displcaced people at the demolished places around the state. Most of the traders dislodged at Oshodi market have migrated to the neigbouring states and many landlords have been rendered homeless without compensation.
The Lagos state government is executing its developmental projects without considering the plights of the people. Yes, I know the project is in the people’s interest, but many of them depend on the stipends they generate from their petty sales, to take care of their family members.
The government does not have any alternative place for the victims of its developmental project, and this will further hinder the complete success of the projects. I still believe the state government can lead us to the promised land, only if it leads with the mind of the people at heart.
Adeosun Peter Is A Student Of Lagos State Polytechnic, Nigeria
