By Oluwatoyin Mathnuel
A.S Hornby once said ; ‘Structures built over the road, railway or river for vehicles, people to cross from one side to the other are called Bridges.
Which simply means, pedestrian bridges in a state or any locality are meant for the safety of individuals’ lives and properties, for which the Lagos state government is highly commended.
The Lagos state government, under previous governors and the incumbent Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, has made pedestrian bridges more convenient for pedestrians with the introduction of flats and slab pathways alongside the regular staircases.
This modernization has also benefited truck pushers, wheelbarrow loaders, and others.
Though, most Lagos pedestrian bridges have become mini-markets for hawkers and street traders who were chased out of Lagos roads for safety, unable to afford the exorbitant rent of shops or stalls, thought in order to make ends meet , the pedestrian bridge is the best place to meet the demands of their customers.
Despite being a refuge for the vulnerable, such as beggars, destitute who still find solace in the goodwill of passersby, Lagos pedestrian bridges with untethered roofs and zincs provide shelters for citizens, especially during the rainy season.
Yet, it would be greatly appreciated if the proactive governor of Lagos state, fondly called “Mr. Talk and Do,” Governor Olushola Sanwo-Olu, look into the insecurity on these pedestrian bridges by creating mini-security posts, similar to the one at Gbagada pedestrian bridge (Charlie Boy Bus-Stop precisely), manned by 24-hour security personnel.
Additionally, installing solar power , CCTV cameras would help curb pickpocketing , snatching of phones and bags on Lagos pedestrian bridges.
It’s worth noting that most Lagos pedestrian bridges cannot be used past 7 pm or early in the morning by 5 am.
Many Lagos residents are victims of lazy Nigerian youths who derive joy from harassing, rough handling passersby, depriving Lagosians of their valuables on pedestrian bridges.
Pedestrian bridges in Lagos state form a community of it own, with the good, the bad, and the ugly.
The Yuletide season is more of a striking time for these underworld, street urchins to meet up with their unnecessary target without any legitimate engagement.
This medium is a clarion call to the Lagos state government under the leadership of our amiable Gov. Babajide Olusola Sanwo- Olu and the Lagos state Commissioner of Police CP Jimoh Moshood to take the bull by the horn regarding safety of Lagos residents on the ever busy Lagos pedestrian bridges now , at the festive period and always.
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