Lagos Community Calls For Urgent Repair Of Collapsed Bridge, Cites Severe Disruptions, Safety Risks

The residents of Amje Estaport Community in Agbado/Oke-Odo Local Council Development Area (LCDA) has made a desperate plea to the Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, calling for immediate intervention to repair the severely damaged bridge on Olakunle Ojo Street.

The residents lament that the bridge remains a dangerous and collapsed wreck almost two months after its destruction.

On May 7, 2024, torrential rains triggered a flood that devastated the bridge, damaging its pillars, weakening its foundation, and eroding the surrounding drainage supports.

The bridge serves approximately 20 communities as a crucial link to the Lagos-Abeokuta express road.

According to a statement sent to Platforms Africa through the Amje Estaport CDA Secretary, Mr Oredola Adeola, he said that no repair efforts have been made by the Lagos State Government.

“Despite barricades placed by the Lagos State Government, no repair efforts have been initiated.

“Recall that the bridge’s severe damage from the heavy May 2024 downpour has effectively split the community in two, causing escalating harm and disruption.

“Our pleas to Governor Babajide Sanwoolu, through his media aide Mr. Gbenga Akosile, have been met with silence,” he said.

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He reiterated that “Since May, the situation has only worsened, with properties around the collapsed bridge deteriorating”.

The CDA Secretary expressed the community disappointment with the Lagos State Government, accusing it of failing to fulfill promises made by Mr. Gbenga Akosile despite celebrating the initial response.

“We feel that the Lagos State Government’s inaction stands as a betrayal of its promises made to us by Mr. Gbenga Akosile, Gboyega Akosile leaving the community abandoned, even after we had celebrated the initial response.

How long should we continue to wait for rescue? Is the state government waiting for an emergency to happen before something is done?,” Adeola said.

Adeola highlighted that the bridge collapse has wreaked havoc on local livelihoods and commercial activities.

He said that businesses have ground to a halt and the community has been paralyzed by the Infrastructural failure.

He further noted that the bustling area now lies deserted.

He said: “As a matter of fact, the bridge’s collapse has wreaked havoc on local livelihoods and commercial activities, forcing residents to leave and deterring potential new tenants.

“This exodus has impoverished landlords reliant on rental income, and businesses have ground to a halt, leaving mothers lamenting poor sales and an eerily deserted Amje Estaport.

“The Amje Estaport CDA, pivotal for over 20 communities connecting to the Lagos-Abeokuta highway, has been paralyzed by this infrastructural failure.

“The once bustling area now lies deserted, with the community urgently appealing to Governor Sanwoolu for immediate action to mitigate flood-prone areas in the Agbado/Oke-Odo LCDA.

“The ineffective barricade by the Lagos State Public Works does nothing to stop the growing damage.

“Residents’ lives and activities are in disarray, with vehicles unable to access the community and owners forced to risk parking in theft-prone areas.

“The surge in car battery thefts recorded in recent times, highlights the escalating security risks.”

He mentioned that despite several appeals to the LCDA Chairman, Engr. David Famuyiwa, he chooses to neglect the community plea.

“Of course you may ask why we haven’t taken the case to Engr.David Famuyiwa, the LCDA Chairman,.

“Yes we have done this with several appeals, but he chooses to neglect our plea, but rather focus on the road connecting his house which he made the state government to approve.

“He said he has other important assignments than our concern,” he said.

“The community’s desperate appeal to the Lagos State Government for swift intervention is a cry for help to rescue them from this dire situation,” he concluded.

Platforms Africa

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