By Monsuru Olowoopejo

No doubt, pedestrian bridges have provided commuters safe means of crossing the ever-busy highways in Lagos, a reason the Federal and Lagos State governments are rehabilitating existing pedestrian bridges and constructing additional ones in the state.

To get people to use the bridges instead of dashing across the highways, the Lagos State governemnt had to embark on aggressive campaigns to sensitize residents on the issue and also reduce the 1,579 road fatalities recorded between June 2006 and May 2014.

At a time, a special task force was detailed to arrest and prosecute, in mobile courts, those who refuse to use the bridges.

This campaign yielded results as most residents abandoned their previous practice and started using the pedestrian bridges.

Herbert Macaulay Pedestrian Bridge: Now a death trap.

However, it is becoming more dangerous to use some of the old iron bridges than crossing the highways in some parts of Lagos. Lack of maintenance has forced residents to desert the facilities especially those constructed some years ago, which are now death traps with rusty iron sheets and quaky walkways.

Some of the worst pesdestrian bridges include the over five bridges on Herbert Macaulay Way, Yaba axis; the Iyana-Oworo Bridge at Olopo-Meji end, Mile 12 pedestrian bridge, Adeniran Ogunsanya College of Education, AOCOED, Ijanikin pedestrian bridge, and Ojo Army Cantonment pedestrian bridge and others.

Though these pedestrian bridges were constructed by different governments but today, residents said they pose threat to their lives; even as they described it as death traps. The dilapidating facilities do not only pose danger to the lives of the users but also motorists that ply the roads under these bridges.

Herbert Macaulay pedestrian bridge

Noticeable among these bridges were roll of pedestrian bridges on Herbert Macaulay road in Yaba axis of the state. When Vanguard visited these bridges constructed several years ago with iron steel, they have since become the shadow of their old self. Some of the steel used for their construction were already falling apart.

Several parts of the bridges have been ripped off. This could be easily noticed on the steps and the walkways which allows users to see vehicles underneath through the big holes.

The development is a source of panic for the users and most now prefer what is referred to as ‘dash of death’ while those who choose to use any of the bridges spend more time on it trying to avoid the holes.

Aside the poor state of the bridges, Vanguard gathered that residents have converted them to dump site and toilets.

In an interview with Mr. David Oladeji, 78, who has been residing in the community for over 20 years, he lamented: “The pedestrian bridges are bad. And we have complained on several occasion but we are yet to receive any assurance from the governments. I think the road belongs to the Federal Government. It is a trunk A road.’’

“Though the bridges are bad but considering my age, I have no option than to use them. The number of accidents recorded daily on this road has reduced since the state government introduced the road traffic law. But before the ban on Commercial motorcycle popularly called Okada in the metropolis, accidents occur between two and three hours daily. And this was because commuters were afraid of using the bridge.”

Oladeji continued: “I don’t find it easy climbing the bridge due to its state and because of this I spend more time on the bridge than expected.’’

Explaining the state of the bridges, the septuagenarian said: “The steps are bad. When you walk on it, you will see the road underneath easily. School pupils could fall from it. It is not advisable to walk on it at night.’’

Another resident, Mrs. Bridget Chukwu said: “Some government officials inspected the bridges last year and since then nothing has been done to rehabilitate them. And due to its state some people dump refuse on it.”

Mile 12 pedestrian bridge

Apart from the iron bridges of Herbert Macaulay, the concrete Mile 12 pedestrian bridge is a death trap and may collapse at any moment.

Said to have been constructed and commissioned by former military administrator of the state, Colonel Buba Marwa, the bridge has been in existence for about 18 years.

The bridge prevents traders and customers of the popular Mile 12 market from going through the stress of crossing the ever busy Mile12-Ikorodu road.

Otto Pedestrian Bridge. Can other bridges be like this?

A tour of the facility revealed that some iron rods used in constructing the bridge are now visible. Aside that, a walk on the bridge further revealed the state of the facility; as it vibrates with each step taken.

The poor state of the bridge has forced people to abandon the facility for destitutes who have converted it to their abode.

On why he chose not to use the bridge, Mr. Emmanuel Adeyemi, a trader responded, “the bridge is not safe for people. It could collapse and that was why I decided to cross the road and not climb the bridge.”

Another trader, who identified himself as Adamu said that the state of the bridge has been a major concern for the traders.

Iyana Oworo pedestrian bridge

The Pedestrian Bridge Olopomeji, Oworonshoki, Kosofe Local Government, is also begging for state government attention.

The bridge affords Ogudu and Oworonshoki residents the opportunity to connect both communities with ease.

Vanguard gathered that one year after the state government awarded the contract ,work is yet to commence.

Mrs. Atinuke Olateju, a petty trader, lamented that the bridge is vibrating and has visible holes everywhere, adding “the holes were patched with planks by members of the All Progressives Congress, APC in the community.

We’ll fix the bridges —FG

Contacted, the Federal Controller of Works in Lagos, Engineer Godwin Eke, said that of the over five bridges ‘’only one was bad. And since we identified it, we have directed FERMA to rehabilitate it.’’ He assired that ‘’rehabilitation of the bridges will commence soon.”

Efforts to speak to the Lagos Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, proved abortive. However, a reliable source said that the state government had noticed the state of the pedestrian bridges and would soon renovate them.