By Bilesanmi Abayomi
Joint Action for Good Governance (JAGG) has submitted a petition urging the urgent reconstruction of the Alapere Estate Pedestrian Bridge in the Kosofe area of Lagos. The call comes in the wake of a recent collapse of a section of the bridge, raising concerns about the safety and well-being of residents who heavily rely on this vital infrastructure.
JAGG’s Vice President, Abdulwaheed Odunuga, and General Secretary, Adekunle Aderibigbe, jointly issued a letter titled “Urgent Petition for the Reconstruction of Alapere Estate Pedestrian Bridge” on Monday in Lagos. The letter expressed deep concern over the collapse, attributing it to a collision involving a truck on December 8, 2023.
Addressing the potential risks posed by the collapsed bridge, the letter emphasized the urgency of taking immediate action to prevent disruptions to traffic flow and safeguard pedestrians in the Kosofe community.
“We respectfully appeal to the Lagos State Government, led by His Excellency Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and to our esteemed representative in the Kosofe Federal House of Representatives, Hon. Kafilat Ogbara, to prioritize and expedite the reconstruction of the collapsed section of the Alapere Estate Pedestrian Bridge,” the letter stated.
Highlighting the critical role the bridge plays in daily commuting for residents, the petition underscored the need for swift government intervention to ensure public safety and prevent potential accidents.
“We trust that you will give urgent consideration to this matter and take the necessary steps to address the reconstruction of the Alapere Estate Pedestrian Bridge. Our community’s safety is of paramount importance, and we appreciate your efforts in ensuring a swift and effective resolution to this critical issue,” the letter concluded.
The Kosofe Post had previously reported the damaged bridge at Alapere/Estate Bus Stop on Third Axial Road. Eyewitnesses revealed that the damage occurred when a truck attempted to pass underneath, carrying a containerized load exceeding the provided headroom.