By Robert Egbe

Residents of estates around Lekki have given the Lagos State Government and Lekki Concession Company (LCC), managers of the Lekki/Epe Expressway conditions for the re-opening of the Lekki Toll Gate.

The residents, under the aegis of Lekki Estates Residents and Stakeholders Association (LERSA), which comprises over 80 estates and communities, stated their demands in a statement signed by LERSA President James Emadoye and Secretary-General and Gbemi Adelekan.

They asked the government and managers of the road to provide viable alternative roads to the tolled ones, implement round figure fees at the toll, and immediately improve the tolling system technology to guarantee free flow at the plaza before the commencement of tolling.

LERSA said its members had been victims of insecurity and disruption of movement since the #ENDSARS protests of last October, which led to the destruction and eventual closure of the toll gate and last Saturday’s protest against the order for its re-opening.

While appealing for restraint among angry youth, LERSA called on the government to allow free expression of discontent in a way that guarantees protection of life and property.

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 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 realise that toll plazas cannot re-open and operate 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 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 added. The Nation

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