Residents of estates around Lekki, under the auspices of Lekki Estates Residents and Stakeholders Association (LERSA), have come out to submit to the Lagos State Government and Lekki Concession Company (LCC), managers of the Lekki/Epe Expressway, workable conditions to be met for the re-opening of the Lekki Toll Gate.
They made these conditions known in a press statement issued by the association, comprising over 80 estates and communities, on Monday.
In the statement signed by Olorogun James Emadoye and Mr. Gbemi Adelekan, LERSA President and Secretary-General respectively, the residents asked the state government and managers of the road to provide viable alternative roads to the tolled roads, implement round figure fees at the toll and immediately improve the tolling system technology to guarantee free flow at the toll gates before the commencement of tolling.
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LERSA noted that its members have been victims of insecurity and disruption of movement since the EndSARS protests of October, which led to the destruction and eventual closure of the toll gate and Saturday’s protest against the order for its reopening.
While appealing for restraint among angry youths, LERSA called on the government to allow free expression of discontent in a way that guarantees protection of lives and properties.
The association also called on LCC to create an enabling environment for people and businesses along this axis, adding that the experience of road users at the toll plazas on the road before the shutdown was very unpleasant.
‘Our road experience prior to the October 20th shutdown of the toll gates was that of hardship and suffering, with the long traffic at the toll plazas. A tolled road is supposed to provide a quick, safe, and motorable experience, where users will be happy to pay for,’ the statement said.
It added that the government, through LCC, should realize that toll plaza cannot re-open and operated the way they were before the shutdown.
‘Without a doubt, we are the only citizens in Nigeria that are forced to pay toll on a road that is less than 25km, completed in 14 years. With the poor experience and services at the toll plaza, we are actually paying for inconveniences rather than for convenience, as we spend on an average of 20 to 30 minutes to pay.
‘We, therefore, ask for viable alternative roads to the tolled roads, implementation of round figure fees at the toll, and immediate improvement of the tolling system technology to guarantee free flow at the toll gates before the commencement of tolling,‘ the statement concluded.
AFRICA TODAY NEWS, NEW YORK