Repair Ilasa bridge now
By Ngozi Konyebagu
Sunday, January 27, 2008

I wish to plead with the Lagos State Government to act fast and repair the damaged pedestrian bridge at Ilasamaja along the Oshodi-Apapa Expressway. A portion of the Bridge collapsed late last year and nothing has been done to rectify this problem till date. Hundreds of lives (including women and children) are being risked everyday because people now run accross this ever busy express road daily as the bridge is no longer in use. Most times, especially at night, vehicles knock down passers-by who cross the road and the number of lives lost along this road since the collapse of the foot bridge is alarming.

Though some NGOs have tried to help by using their personnel to direct and help road users, this measure is insufficient especially with the large human traffic at the bus stop. Also, car owners suffer untold hardship along both sides of this road as traffic runs to a slow snarl daily on that route.

There are certain urgent projects that government should endeavour not to waste time on right now and apart from the Ilasa bridge repair or replacement, the Tejuosho market is another one. Lagos State government should show some sensitivity to people's plight and ensure that lives are protected daily on our roads. Government cannot afford to be seen as nonchalant with the lives of its citizens. Why should we wait till a top Nigerian or his/her relative falls victim of this lurking danger before acting as usual. A 'stitch in time' , they say, 'saves nine'.