Defy Paedestrian Bridges, Clean The Gutters

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A pedestrian bridge in Lagos

Emmanuel Thomas

May 5, 2015 – Residents of Lagos who prefer to cross the expressway on foot instead of using pedestrian bridges are in for a tough time. Those caught in the act  will henceforth be delayed  for at least one hour or forced to clean drainage channels.

Their development arose from the resolution of the members of Lagos State Assembly at its plenary today.

Hon. Rotimi Olowo, representing Somolu constituency 2 had during matter of public importance, alerted his colleagues on the prevalent incidence of avoidable deaths in the State arising from knock down of Lagosians by fast moving vehicles on Lagos roads, particularly the expressway.

In his submission, the lawmaker reminded his colleague that sometimes ago, the Governor was briefed on the need to have a pedestrian bridge around 7up via Ojota area, and this request was expeditiously granted.

He added that, despite the huge amount committed by the State government to provide this infrastructure around the area, a lot of people still defy the use of the pedestrian bridge provided by government.

The lawmaker therefore urge the assembly to not only re-enforce strict compliance on the use of the pedestrian bridge by the relevant agencies but also for the ministry of information to embark on public enlightenment campaign to re-orientate the populace on use of the bridges.

Hon. Olowo also added that punitive measures which may not be fines, can also be applied, He suggested delaying offenders caught for 1 hour, while others may be subjected to cleaning of drains to serve as a deterrent to offenders others.  

Hon. Segun Olulade and Hon. sunni Avoseh who also contributed opined that there was need to appeal to the pedestrians on the need and importance of using the bridge as well as to call on the enforcement agencies to be alive to their responsibilities and not see this as an opportunity to extort money from people.

Hon.       Dr. Ajibayo Adeyeye went further to remind his colleagues that there was a wire mesh under the Ojota bridge that assisted the enforcement agencies to curb close crossing of the express road in that axis. He suggested that such measures can be replicated at all pedestrian bridges to further deter people from crossing the express road.

Hon. Mudashiru Obasa also added that construction of bridges should be included in the State’s template when roads are to be constructed while Hon. Abiodun solicited for the co-operation of the media in disseminating viable information that would help nip the situation in the bud.

The deputy whip of the House, Hon Rotimi Abiru however expressed the need for all sundry to cultivate the right attitude. He said “The change that we all clamour for starts with all of us. Democracy is about everybody, the government and the people. We must play our part”.

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