Date: 2017-01-26

The Kwara State Government has issued a seven-day ultimatum to all landlords and property owners whose properties fall within the right-of-way of the Geri-Alimi underpass project on both sides of the road to remove such from the date of commencement of this announcement, to avoid damage to moveable items.

This is contained in a statement signed by the Press Secretary, Ministry of Works and Transport, Sam Bola Onile, yesterday.

According to the statement, "construction activities will soon commence on the site, therefore the ministry solicits the cooperation and support of the benefitting community for smooth and successful operation and realisation of this project."

The statement noted that the following roads will serve as alternatives for motorists and other road users while the construction of the underpass at Geri-Alimi is ongoing.

They are Odota-Lubcon-Olorunsogo road, Asa Dam-Egbejila-Airport road, IGS-NUT-Asa Dam road and Sawmill Garage-Oko Erin-Taiwo road. Others are Asa Dam-New Yidi road, Olorunsogo-Adeta-Adewole and General Hospital-Adewole-Olorunsogo road.

Meanwhile, owners of properties that may be affected by the Geri-Alimi interchange have expressed concern over the short notice giving to them, describing the project as misplaced priority and unnecessary at a time of economic recession.

Speaking to this medium, owner of Superstore, Yusuf Adejare said, "the project is a misplaced priority as I don't think the underpass is what is needed now. The government should rather focus on opening access roads within the metropolis.

"There are many roads leading to airport and Eiyenkorin through Sawmill, Asa Dam and Olorunsogo without passing through Geri-Alimi. For instance, the government can open the Saw mill-Deeper life-Asa Dam road," he said.

Agbolade Razak Olalekan, who owns Lakeside Ventures, said "The project is a welcomed development to the state but injurious to business owners because many people will become jobless and could embrace crime.

"This will surely affect my business and most of the people around here. In my opinion I'll advise them to expand the road and leave the construction of the underpass considering the economy of the state.

"I have a family that depends on my daily earning to survive therefore we are pleading for compensation before the evacuation exercise. We can't engage in crime, that is the reason we are struggling to set-up one business or the other so government just have to consider us."

A supermarket owner, Alhaja Khadijat Daudu said she is aware of the ultimatum but expects compensation from the state government.

She said, "We're not comfortable with the arrangement but have no choice. We can't move our customers that we have built for years out of this place," she lamented.

A Beer Parlour owner, Mrs. Caroline Adeyemo said it is very unfortunate at this recession period for one to start relocating business because of the construction project.

Adekunle Simon, owner of 1Mic Communication outlet said, " The timing is too short for evacuating our shop here. It means losing a lot of customers and we are not comfortable but have no choice because quit notice has been issued to us.

However, the Manager of Geri-Alimi Hospital, Mr. Adeosun Asimi said, "The project is a welcomed development and we are prepared for it." Also Mrs. Funmilayo Omishakin, who owns a pharmacy stressed that whatever government decides to do will be okay by her.