Residents and commuters in Mowe, located in the Obafemi Owode Local Government area of Ogun State, are expressing their dissatisfaction with the deplorable condition of the pedestrian bridge, which has been marred by the accumulation of refuse.
During a visit to the area on Wednesday, our correspondent discovered ongoing complaints about potholes and deteriorating sections beneath the bridge, specifically for those traveling towards Lagos.
In addition, our investigation revealed that the traders operating beneath the bridge have taken it upon themselves to maintain daily cleanliness. However, it has become a dumping ground for refuse, often discarded by both traders and pedestrians, who utilize the bridge as a convenient waste disposal location. Furthermore, instances of public urination on the bridge are not uncommon.
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One local petty trader, who introduced herself as Aramide, shared her perspective on the situation, stating, “The responsibility for bridge cleanliness should lie with the government, as people typically wouldn’t willingly allocate their time for this task. I routinely sweep the area where I sell my goods to attract customers, and elderly vendors in the vicinity also contribute to maintaining cleanliness.”
Shehu Muhammed, a pedestrian who relies on the bridge due to safety concerns on the nearby expressway, expressed his concerns, remarking, “Traders have started to view the bridge as a source of income while neglecting its upkeep.”
It was also observed that traders had paid for the spaces where they set up their makeshift stalls, with ticket evidence as proof.
A trader named Mr. Adisa, who preferred to be addressed as Portable, shed light on the issues causing dirt accumulation, explaining, “Pedestrians litter the floor mainly because of the absence of waste bins. When it rains, the flood washes the debris to one corner of the bridge, particularly where bikes, travel bags, and wheelbarrows pass through.”
He added, “I engage in multiple jobs to survive the hardships in our country. I stand by the railings of the pedestrian bridge, assisting pedestrians with their loads and earning a living. The neglected area of the bridge hasn’t received proper maintenance for a while, allowing Spirogyra and grass to flourish, primarily due to the sand accumulation. The rainwater has also contributed to the deterioration.”
In response to these concerns, the State Commissioner for the Environment, Ola Oresanya, stated that the state government would initiate a program to beautify the area soon. He said, “Within the next two weeks, work will commence. We plan to clear and beautify the area from Cara Ibafo down to Mowe, including the roadside. This falls under our highway conservation project, covering approximately 10 meters from the road’s edges on both sides. Additionally, we have plans to eliminate open defecation in the state and construct public toilets.”