Press Releases

FG Commends Lagos For Harnessing Science And Tech. To Overcome Nature

Apr 23, 2008 - The Lagos State Government on Wednesday received commendations from the Federal Government for harnessing science and Technology to overcome the challenges of nature.

President Ya’radua who spoke through his Chief Economic Adviser, Malam Tanimu Yakubu at the turning of the sod of the Eko Atlantic City ceremony held at the Lagos Bar Beach, Victoria Island said it was very noteworthy that the former administration through its foresight succeeded in transforming what almost everyone regarded as a danger and liability to a potential asset to the state.

He also applauded the efforts of the present leadership in the state for carrying th vision forward in boosting the nation’s territorial waters and using science and technology to tackle challenges spun by nature.

In his words; “it is very heartwarming that a member of my generation is at the forefront of the quest to reclaim the Bar Beach . You are adding to our landscape with your latest efforts.”

In his address, Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola (SAN) informed that the turning of the sod represents the commencement of the second and third phases of the Bar Beach project.

He added that the two phases would involve the reclamation and development of the premier beach- Bar Beach into multi- purpose tourism, commercial and residential city.

Governor Fashola described the development of Eko Atlantic City as a classical example of government’s policy thrust of fast tracking infrastructure development through Public Private Partnership (PPP)

He added that it was the PPP that gave birth to the memorandum of understanding and working relationship between the State Government and the sponsors and promoters of Eko Atlantic City project-Energyx Nigeria Limited.

The Governor traced the genesis of the erosion problem at the Bar Beach to the construction of channels, moles and harbours between 1905 and 1908.

He added that this was done to facilitate easy movement of ships and ocean liners into the Apapa port and in later years the Tin Can Island port.

Governor Fashola recalled that the erosion problems worsened with the increase in the number of ships arriving at the two ports and other port related operations.

The Lagos State helmsman commended the immediate past administration of the State under Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu for commencing work towards finding a lasting solution to the erosion problem of the Bar Beach and transforming what was a threat and liabilities into a revenue yielding venture.

Governor Fashola also explained that through the action of Asiwaju Tinubu the confidence of the residents of Victoria Island and Ikoyi was restored even as property values appreciated and life returned to abandoned properties that had been vacated for safety due to the threats of the ocean.

Governor Fashola reiterated that Lagos almost lost the gift of nature and the number one tourist destination in the country through the erosion of the Bar Beach, recalling that no one could forget the years of pre and post independence when Lagosians trooped out in colourful attires and beach wears to picnic, swim and perform other forms of water recreational activities.

He commended the consultants and partners for demonstrating technical competence by using local capacity to complete the first phase which was the sea defense wall that protected Lagos from flooding last year when it experienced the highest rainfall ever in almost 20 years.

In his solidarity message at the Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu said the sod turning event gladdens his heart as he recollects vividly the scenario that played out when the Bar Beach was being ravaged by erosion.

He added that no one wanted to have anything to do with the Bar Beach , but that the Lagos State Government confronted the problem headlong and brought the success story being celebrated.

He said the investors are ready to spend their money; bear the risks involved in the transformation process and create a model city of our dreams at the Atlantic City .

In his welcome address, the Commissioner for Water front Infrastructure Development, Prince Adesegun Oniru said the proposed Eko Atlantic City will be sited on the reclaimed land area covering 8,000,000 Sq.metres (which is the land area that has been lost to erosion in the last 100 years.

He added that the reclaimed land will commence from the western boundary, which is the existing east mole and extended eastwards with a total length of 6500meters and the average of 1,260 metres width.

The Southern boundary, Prince Oniru added will be protected by the main sea bed with an extended length of 6500metres while the northern boundary will remain the existing Ahmadu Bello Way, being reconstructed to an eight lane highway to be known as the coastal road.

The Commissioner added that infrastructural facilities at the City will comprise of an international standard road network, surface water drainage, dedicated electrical power generating plant and underground distribution, water supply treatment plant and distribution mains, sewage collection mains and a modern treatment plant, network of service ducts to provide IT services and post construction maintenance and management of the facility.

He appealed to institutional investors, property developers both local and foreign, multinationals, corporate organizations and the general public to avail themselves of the opportunities to invest in the new city .

In his technical brief, the Managing Director of South EnergyX, Mr David Frame said the company is poised to deliver a well maintained and clean city on the Atlantic which would run for 24hours. According to him “all marine works are expected to be completed by the end of 2013 with infrastructural work completed by 2015.