Trading at the old Sandgrouse Market

One of the oldest markets built during the colonial era in Lagos, the Sandgrouse Market will soon be demolished.

The Lagos State Government on Friday signed an agreement with DHB Construction Ltd and leaders of Sandgrouse Market to commence redevelopment of the market to modern standard.

It was the second time in three years that government would be inking a deal with DHB.

In 2012, Lagos state governmrnt, DHB and Lagos Island Local Government signed a tripartite MOU to flag off work on the project. But the project appears to have run into political hitches.

The market is located on the corner piece between Simpson Street and Louis Street in central Lagos.

Mr Abiodun Bamgboye, Principal Private Secretary to Governor Ambode, signed the agreement at a brief ceremony held at the Lagos House, Alausa, Ikeja.

Bamgboye, who spoke on behalf of the state government, said the purpose of convening the meeting was to ensure that all stakeholders in the market are carried along in the plan to redevelop the market.

Sandgrouse Market is located under Lagos Island East Local Council Development Area.

”This goes to show some of the concerns of government, especially in ensuring that things are done with the consent of all stakeholders.

”The market will be redeveloped for the comfort of the people and economic development of the area, ” he said.

Mr Hakeem Alobo-Bakare, Chairman of DHB Construction Limited, said the traders would be relocated to a temporary site next week.

The New Sandgrouse being conceived

Alobo-Bakare said that the relocation would enable the traders continue their trade while the total redevelopment of the market commences in earnest.

He also commended Gov. Ambode’s role in ensuring that the stakeholders reach a common understanding to give the market a modern outlook.

Also speaking, Ahaja Abibatu Kenku, the Iyaloja of the market who responded on behalf of the traders, said consultations on the project had been on for a while.

Kenku said all stakeholders and traders in the market were duly consulted and there was a unanimous agreement that the market be redeveloped.

According to her, the consensus to rebuild the market was finally reached after a meeting with the Iyaloja General of Lagos, Mrs. Folashade Tinubu-Ojo.