Lagos State Government, through the Lagos State Urban Renewal Agency (LASURA), has flagged off a regeneration project in Bariga Local Council Development Area (LCDA).

Speaking at the ceremony, the General Manager, LASURA, Mr. Lateef Sholebo disclosed that the regeneration project would start with the construction of 11 high-standard roads complemented with street lights and covered drainage.

He stated that the project was initiated by the present administration to improve the standard of living and socio-economic status of all residents in the community, adding that it is also part of the dividends of democracy promised by Governor Akinwunmi Ambode during the 2015 electioneering campaign.

Sholebo explained that Bariga slum was one of the 42 slums earlier identified by the State government for transformation, stressing that LASURA will also provide other social infrastructures for the community including potable drinkable water, health centres, drainages, pedestrian bridge and street lights amongst others.

He noted that the project will not only lead to the transformation of Bariga from a blighted area to a modern community but would prevent the outbreak of communicable diseases as well as ensure that the community is conducive for business and social activities.

The General Manager stated that the project would provide job opportunities for unemployed youths in the community as the contractor – Sail Through Construction Ltd – has promised to engage the youths and women in the community as technical workers and suppliers of sand and granites for the project.

He listed the names of the eleven streets to be constructed to include Awofodu Street, Ajiun Street, Onajimi Street, Ososa Avenue, Ososa crescent, Odo-Oba Street, Peimu Otunubi Street, Kayode Adebiyi Street, Bolowosere Street, Ayoka Street and Ifelodun Street while soliciting for the cooperation and support of the members of the community for the success of the project.

The Executive Chairman, Bariga Local Council Development Area, Mr. David Alabi Kolade thanked Governor Akinwunmi Ambode for making the project a reality, adding that the concept for the project started six years ago but faced a lot of obstacle before now. He also expressed his gratitude to God for making the project possible while commending that the General Manager and the entire staff of LASURA for their dedication and efforts to make the project a reality.

He, however, assured the house owners whose fences were demolished in order to give way for the project would be adequately compensated and that LCDA has taken the proper records of the affected buildings and would rebuild the fences for them accordingly.