Once again, Otedola Bridge is reportedly engulfed in flames following another fuel tanker accident!
How many more lives must be lost before we find a lasting solution to this recurring tragedy?
For years, this notorious stretch of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway has witnessed repeated tanker accidents, explosions, destruction of property and needless loss of lives.
Surely, these tragedies are preventable!
As a built environment professional, I ask:
Has a comprehensive engineering audit of the road’s gradient, alignment and geometry been undertaken?
Are defective braking systems, excessive speeds and poor vehicle maintenance adequately monitored?
Why haven’t effective safety measures, including advance warning systems, speed controls and appropriately designed emergency escape facilities, been implemented?
What became of the findings and recommendations from previous investigations?
We cannot continue responding to preventable disasters with condolences and promises!
I respectfully appeal to our hard-working Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, to urgently champion a comprehensive engineering and road safety review of this corridor, with practical, measurable and time-bound solutions.
The FRSC, Lagos State Government and relevant professional bodies must collaborate to bring this recurring nightmare to an end.
Infrastructure development is not merely about constructing roads. It is about ensuring that those roads are safe for human lives!
Otedola Bridge must not remain a death trap!
Enough of the carnage. Enough of the excuses.
It is time for decisive action!
Gbenga Onabanjo; [email protected]
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