Some residents of Lagos state have appealed to the Federal Government to complete the pedestrian bridge projects at the busy Iyana-Ipaja and Cement Bus Stop on the Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway.
The residents made the appeal in separate interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday.
Mr Habeeb Jimoh, a taxi driver, said that the human traffic on the axis was increasing on a daily basis hence, the need for the completion of the projects.
“This road is in good condition now but the only fear we have is the huge number of people crossing the highway, government should help us construct the foot bridges,” he said.
Mr Animasaun Badmus, Patron, Iyana Ipaja Bricklayers Association, also urged government to adopt proactive measures to avert accidents or death of pedestrians.
“It is better that government construct the foot bridges because some motorists are usually not patient to wait for pedestrians crossing the highway.
“Although, I have never witnessed any accident involving pedestrians here (Iyana Ipaja), but it is better for government to construct it to avert disaster,” he said.
Mrs Simisolulwa Suraju, a Baker, said there was need for government to construct the bridge because of the busy social and economic activities on the axis.
“Iyana Ipaja is a major terminus takes it or leaves it, and government is aware of it, “she said.
Mr Anthony Enejo, a Banker who said that human traffic usually slowed traffic around Iyana Ipaja and Dopemu, also appealed to government to construct the foot bridges.
NAN recalls that the Iyana-Ipaja foot bridge project, which began in 2014, was initially slowed down by litigation.
The contractors handling the project later abandoned the work over funding issues among others.
Responding, the Federal Controller of Works, Lagos state, Mr Godwin Eke, told NAN that the contractors to Messrs Borini Poroni were set to return to site to complete the projects.
“All the equipment are ready and they are at Tin Can Island, ready to be moved to site this month.
“All litigation issues have been settled, we only need to demolish a few shops and the money for the compensation to the affected shops is ready.
“Everything is ready for both the Iyana Ipaja and Dopemu foot bridges to be completed,” he said. (NAN)
KAE/GA/JPE/DUA