Have you seen the massive transformation going on at Oshodi in Lagos right now? It is to wipe out the slum that Oshodi used to be. Gov. Ambode has begun to build multi- storey bus terminals there. A mall is also under construction there. It is massive. It is huge. The project is the ongoing construction of Oshodi Transport Interchange.
The project is being executed on behalf of the State Government by Messrs Planet Projects, an indigenous firm. It seeks to create a world-class Central Business District that focuses on Transportation, security, environment and urban renewal. The interchange has 3-multi-storey bus terminals with waiting area, loading bays, ticketing stands, drivers lounge, parking areas, conveniences, surveillance tower and CCTV gadgets.
Other features include accessible walkways, pedestrian bridges/sky-walks to link the 3 terminals, shopping malls with street lighting and a dedicated security team on ground.
Upon completion, the project would bring about organised transport system, boost intra-tourism for Oshodi, bequeath iconic city gateway to the State, ensure secure and comfortable environment, as well as fuel economic growth and job creation.
Also speaking, Managing Director of Planet Projects, Biodun Otunola, said over 1,000 piles (22m) and pile caps had been installed, while the 3-multi-storey bus terminal buildings were at advanced stage of construction.
He said the cars and taxi cabs parks were ongoing with massive walkway under construction, while lighting of the entire Oshodi area was ongoing, all of which were being done by over 500 workers on site.
Otunola speaking further, said Oshodi lacked adequate pedestrian facilities, walkways, bus shelters and bus stations and the hub generally unorganised with the environment in a degraded state, bringing about attendant poor transport facilities, overcrowding, huge traffic congestion and threat to security, a development he said necessitated the decision of Governor Akinwunmi Ambode not only to redesign the traffic flow but also transform the aesthetics of the area with iconic infrastructure. Oshodi, arguably, is the busiest transport hub in Nigeria with over 5,600 buses loading per day and spreading over 13 different motor parks, as well as over 200,000 passengers boarding per day and about 1million pedestrians moving daily in the area, with about 76 percent of the entire area dedicated to transport and related activities.
