Wharf road closure: Stakeholders worry over negative effects on economy
Stakeholders and concerned Nigerians have reacted over the announcement made by Mr. Babatunde Fashola, the Minister of Power, Works and Housing, that Apapa Wharf Road will be shut down for one-year to enable its reconstruction. Fashola made the announcement over the weekend at the official signing of Memorandum of Understanding and handing over of the project to the sponsors led by AGDangote Construction Limited, Flour Mills of Nigeria Plc and Nigerian Ports Authority.
The minister explained that the use of AGDangote for the repair was to give the road a facelift with the use of concrete, adding that the reconstruction is to resolve the challenges faced by motorists on the road. The minister appealed to road users and stakeholders to persevere and commending the sponsors of the project.
In his exact statement, he said the repairs would be the final solution to the road problem. “We are embarking on what will be the final solution to the massive inconvenience. Businesses and residents in Apapa and its environs have had to endure for a couple of years. I like to acknowledge the leadership role of Dangote and Flour Mills who are operators and have also contributed to make this a reality. They are doing this as a total Corporate Social Responsibility without asking for tax holiday or reduction.
From today that we are handing over the project, the road will take one year to be completed. We need the cooperation of all the stakeholders. There will be some discomfort on the way but we appeal for tolerance and perseverance. It will continue to get better, people should please ensure more to solve the challenge.”
He appealed to members of the public, especially road users and commuters to bear with government throughout the duration of the road reconstruction, stating that their movement would be restricted. He however stated that that it is better to endure and persevere now and enjoy the road after a year.
