Weeds take over mile 2 jetty

Three months after the Mile 2 Jetty was expected to commence, Blueprint can authoritatively report that the site had been taken over by weeds.
The jetty was expected to be rehabilitated under Build, Operate and Transfer (BOT) business model as part of the Lagos state government’s integrated project to revamp water transportation and take some pressure off the roads.
At a ceremony in August to hand over the jetty to a private operator, the Chief Executive Officer of Lagferry, Mr Paul Kalejaiye, revealed during the visit to Ilashe community that every necessary step had been taken and work would commence “anytime next week”.
According to Kalejaiye, Governor Ambode had approved that the jetty be turned into a world class facility, saying that there would be a shopping mall, a cinema and other business activities.
However during the week when Blueprint visited the site, it had been taken over by weeds.
An official of the company who spoke on condition of anonymity explained that the failure of its bank to keep its word delayed rehabilitation work on the jetty.
He said the bank that was supposed to provide credit for the project was yet to honour the agreement it signed.
“The problem is between us and the bank. Initially, before they concessioned this place, there was an agreement already between our company and the bank.
“But I believe the setback is only temporary. I think that work should commence latest in January 2017 as the grey areas are being ironed,” the official told Business and Maritime West Africa.
“In effect, the place will be ready six months from the day the jetty was handed over to our company,” he added.