"When you consider the traffic situation in Lagos, you cannot discount the importance that rail will play in decongesting our roads. As it stands today, the ruling party in Lagos has nothing to show for the years of investment that have gone into delivering this infrastructure".
"Consider this: Ethiopia began building their light rail at about the same time Lagos began work on the blue rail line. Ethiopia's light rail covers a distance of 32km, has about 39 stops/stations".
"Its construction was contracted to the Chinese and finished on schedule (in about 5-yrs)".
"Lagos' blue line, on the other hand, is expected to cover about 27km, has 13 stops/stations and cost Lagos taxpayers about $1.2billion. Its construction also contracted to the Chinese."
"Yet, after 9-years since the construction commenced, we still don't have a functioning blue line. Similar projects but very different outcomes". "The ruling party in Lagos have been inept when it comes to delivering on this project. They've paid lip service for far too long. Now it's time to show them the way out".
"This is why on my first day as Governor, the blue line project will be one of the first set of projects that I will be looking into. It would be given the highest priority status".
"In the first month, we will meet with all stakeholders, review the current agreements and set new performance guidelines that would dictate the tone for the project's execution going forward. Our goal will be to deliver this on schedule by 2022 - no ifs or ands or buts about it".
"We need to bring a new level of excellence in governance and I intend to drive this as Governor". "We can do this, Lagos. We have resource, we have the people. Now all that's needed is the political will to get it done".
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