By Arogbonlo Israel
The Lekki Concession Company, LCC, has said the official tolling on the Lekki-Ikoyi link bridge will commence on Saturday, April 16, 2022 while debunking the rumoured report of its emergency resumption on Friday, April 1.
Quest Times had earlier reported that there will be resumption of tolling on Friday, April 1 despite agitations by pro-ENDSARS protesters against the reopening of the Lekki-Ikoyi link bridge Tollgate.
Speaking to Quest Times on Friday, Yomi Omomuwasan, the Managing Director of LCC, debunked the viral report of the resumption of tolling at the Ikoyi link bridge saying “we are here to test run our equipment”.
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“This exercise today being the 1st of April is to commence operation and start working as a company.
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“Before now, our facilities have been brought down. All we have been doing is to rebuild,”
He continued; “We have finished the rebuilding, and coming back to begin operation.
“We are starting to be able to test the equipment that we have installed.”
Mr Omomuwasan further added that all the motorists will be allowed to ply through the road without paying a dime for the period of 15 days.
He also advised members of the public to be civil in their dealings with the LCC staff ahead of the commencement of the full reopening of the tollgate on the Lekki-Ikoyi link bridge.
Read his full statement below;
“Following months of engagement with key stakeholders within Eti-Osa /Lekki-Epe area, Lekki Concession Company Limited (LCC) hereby officially announces the formal return to tolling operations on Friday, 1st April, 2022 at the Ikoyi Link Bridge Toll Plaza. However, toll payment will not commence until 16th April 2022.
“LCC has been a worthy part of the Eti-Osa/ Lekki-Epe ecosystem and has served the community relentlessly and to the best of its ability over the years.
“We are encouraged by the response and the cooperation received from the vast majority of residents and stakeholders who appreciate the value we bring to bear on their daily movement and continue to register for (or update ) their toll accounts in readiness for the commencement of cashless toll collection. All the points made at the engagements are well taken.
“Whilst LCC is aware of the concerns expressed by some stakeholders regarding the return to tolling, it is common knowledge that the government cannot, on its own, meet all the infrastructural needs of the ever-growing population.
“Given that the funding for the project was secured by the initial private sector sponsors and contracts were signed with various local and international financial institutions, in the spirit of respecting the sanctity of contracts, the Lagos State Government continues to meet these obligations when it bought over the shares of LCC, thereby taking over both the assets and liabilities.
“To ensure a smooth return, LCC has deployed new and more efficient technology at the Ikoyi Bridge Toll Plaza. Therefore, to test run the new system and ensure a seamless interface with road users, the first two weeks will be completely toll – free.
“LCC remains committed to providing a safer and better driving experience on the Ikoyi Link Bridge. Thank you.”