Guardian ‘Help…our bridge is collapsing!’ FRIDAY, 16 AUGUST 2013 00:00 BY ISAAC TAIWO NEWS - METRO • Arowojobe residents cry out to Lagos State Government on imminent collapse of community’s major link bridge THE smoothness of various link roads from Maryland through Mende to the major entrance of the serene Arowojobe Community apparently swallow up the embarrassment awaiting the motorist shortly after the point of entry into the Community. His being subjected to the protocol of routine screening of vehicles before entry also accentuate his assurance of a jolly ride to his destination, akin to a similar environment of high class city dwellers. His disappointment immediately he leaves the gate at the sight of a sinking bridge he has to cross would no doubt at first envelop him with fear, followed by a great shock. According to the head of the community, the Baale of Arowojobe, Chief Kehinde Arowojobe, the bridge was constructed about 25 years ago. To the community residents’ dismay, it started sinking just about between five and seven years of construction meaning that the first contractor did a shoddy job. The community leader narrated their plight: “Our worry centres on the fact that if this major link-bridge to our community finally sinks, we are automatically cut off from Mende, Mende major market, Onigbongbo among others and this has the tendency of paralyzing the economy and development of our community. “The truth is that knowing the importance of the bridge vis-à-vis the consequence of its total collapse, we intimated the government of the development and, in fairness to the government, measures were immediately taken to address our plight. The contractors subsequently erected a signboard and we heaved a sigh of relief.” “We saw some move by the contractors as if to only jolt us up deceitfully and our hope was dashed.” “Many years later, when we had to contend with flood and the bridge was submerged by flood, we cried again and the government truly came to our aid and the river was dredged. Shortly after that, the signboard was removed and that was the last we saw of the contractors.” “The bridge has continued to sink gradually and the truth now is that it has started hampering the development of the community as tippers carrying between 10 and 20 tons of granite cannot enter the community through the sinking bridge.” “This is why we are calling on the Lagos State Government to once again come to our rescue,” he said. However, Arowojobe residents have this uncommon trait of the spirit of gratitude to their credit. They were full of praises to the Lagos State Government for saving them from incessant flood that had ravaged their community several times. The Baale testified to Lagos State Government’s effort in helping them to fight the menace of flood and they could now put behind them the losses they have counted. “We enjoy relative peace and think less of flood and I have every reason to commend and give kudos to the Lagos State Government for coming to our aid in the area of flood abatement. We indeed appreciate the drainage at Yawe and the newly constructed bridge that links Yawe and Oke Alo. There is a clear difference between this year’s and the last year’s rainy season. We have every cause to thank God and appreciate the Lagos State Government,” he said. However, like Oliver Twist, the Community is asking for another chance of showing their gratitude to the Lagos State Government by saving the community from being cut off from the adjoining community and from what could paralyse the economy of the community. Mr. Felix Okey a member of the community spoke to The Guardian and pleaded to the Lagos State Government to quickly come to their aid. “In the next six months, we do not know our fate because of the fast sinking of the bridge and we would appreciate government’s quick intervention,” he said. Another resident, Prophet Oluwadamilare Akpata also said the bridge serves as the main entrance to the Community and would therefore appreciate the usual government’s assistance by quickly putting the bridge in order. Dr. Ademola Oladosu, Medical Director, King Solomon Hospital asked the government of Lagos State to expedite action before the bridge finally collapses. “We have discovered that the pipes under the bridge are very narrow and refuse had blocked the pipes leading to overflowing of water which have been causing incessant flood. “The bridge has collapsed half-way and should any heavy truck attempt to pass the bridge, it would totally collapse. “As soon as the bridge is put in order and it is raised, there would be free flow of water under the bridge” he added.
Posted on: Fri, 16 Aug 2013 08:01:26 +0000
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