The Minister of Works and Housing, Mr Babatunde Fashola, on Monday, appealed to Lagos residents to protect road drains and other infrastructure from all forms of abuse and damage.
Fashola appealed during an inspection tour of the ongoing Apapa-Oshodi-Ojota-Oworonshoki Expressway reconstruction project in Lagos.
He said Nigerians should take ownership of the Apapa-Oshodi-Ojota-Oworonshoki Expressway and other projects, and put a stop to all forms of road abuse.
The minister decried dumping of refuse in drains of the ongoing project and others across the state, soliciting the support of residents on proper refuse disposal.
Fashola said the federal government was including beautification to the Apapa-Oshodi-Ojota-Oworonshoki road construction project, as part of measures towards the protection of Lagos bridges.
He said people carried out various forms of businesses and activities under the bridges that caused the fire and various other degrees of damage to the infrastructure because they saw unmanned areas and occupied them.
The minister said beautification was included in the Apapa-Oshodi-Ojota-Oworonshoki Expressway project to both provide aesthetics and protection for the road, bridges and the environment.
APC convention: Govs meet today, take over heads of committees
While inspecting the beautification under the Liverpool Bridge in Apapa, the Federal Controller of Works in Lagos Mr Olukayode Popoola, briefed the minister on the progress of work towards the construction of a recreation/relaxation facility under the bridge.
Popoola, alongside a consultant, explained how the design accommodated concrete stalls for a fish market where people come straight from the jetty.
NAN reports that the Liverpool Round About/bridge is the beginning of the Apapa-Oshodi-Ojota-Oworonshoki Expressway reconstruction project.
Fashola said Apapa was wearing a new look with the construction of a garden under Liverpool bridge to dissuade unauthorised persons from occupying the space.
He said that the government was also considering relocating car dealers around Berger/Mile Two-axis to stop the trend of selling cars on roadsides.
