Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola (SAN), yesterday said that the first eight kilometres of the blue line light rail project would be completed next year.
The governor, who fielded question from journalists after inspecting some strategic ongoing projects in the state, revealed that the first phase of the project from Orile to Mile 2 would ease transportation problem in the state when it is completed.
The governor, enraged by the activities of commercial motorcyclists, popularly known as Okada, also clamped down on scores of motorcycle operators, arresting them and their? passengers for driving against the traffic along the axis.
Fashola, who was conducted round the ongoing project by the Deputy Managing Director of Chinese Civil Engineering and Construction Company(CCECC), Shi Hongbing, said the completion was subject to funds being available to see the project through.
He, however, expressed optimism that the state would deliver on the rail project within the stipulated time as 90 percent of the structural work on the project was already completed. He added that the project had also provided job opportunities for hundreds of youths.
Commenting on the menace of okada riders, Fashola insisted that operators must comply with the state regulation or leave the state.
“You will see my next line of action in the fullness of time, but Lagosians must decide whether or not they want okada.”