The Lagos State Government on Thursday said it has released N5.563 billion to contractors to flag off the construction of the 181 roads spread across the 20 Local Government Areas and 37 Local Council Development Areas of the state.

In a statement by the Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Engr. Ade Akinsanya, the government said the construction of the 181 council roads was in fulfilment of the promise by Governor Akinwunmi Ambode to open up more inner roads across the state following the successful delivery of the 114 roads in September 2016.

According to Akinsanya, the roads would be constructed in phases, noting that Phase One would see the construction of one road each in the 20 LGAs and 37 LCDAs for which contractors have been mobilised to move to site immediately.

He said that amount released was 30 percent payment for the construction of the 57 roads, while the total cost of the roads stands at N18,545,657,940.00.

Akinsanya saiddue process was observed in awarding the contracts, adding that bids were opened last November 1 after which they were evaluated and considered.

He said there were 57 contractors involved in the first phase of the construction with a mandate to deliver in six months.

“Governor Ambode is totally committed to ensuring that Lagosians continue to enjoy good governance. There are many projects going on simultaneously across the state and the roads to be constructed will further open up the LGAs and LCDAs for economic prosperity,” Akinsanya said.

The Commissioner, however, urged residents to continue to pay their taxes promptly to enable the government meet up with its target to complete all ongoing projects in the state this year.