By Jude Atupulazi
Pedestrians who choose to cross the expressway rather than use the bridge at Unizik Junction (Temporary Site), Awka, will be henceforth sanctioned if caught. The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Awka Capital Development Authority (ACTDA), Mr. Ossy Onuko, declared this during his interaction with people at the pedestrian bridge area at Unizik Temp Site.
Fides reports that many people prefer taking the risk of crossing the busy expressway, rather than using the pedestrian bridge at the Unizik Junction because it is easier for them. This has caused many accidents there, some of them fatal.
But Mr Onuko, while addressing the people there, mostly traders and passers-by, said it was against the law for anybody to cross the highway through the drainage.
The ACTDA Boss who emphasized the need for the use of the bridge announced that henceforth, the use of the drainage as a walkway was completely banned, urging the residents to instead, use what he described as the well-built standard pedestrian bridge.
‘We have found that people prefer using the drainage for convenience, bridging it with logs of wood, which pose significant risks of accidents. Vehicles trying to avoid hitting these makeshift crossings, often get damaged, and lives are put at risk daily.
‘As an agency, we have tried to stop this in a friendly manner, but it hasn’t worked. We have now set up an enforcement team led by community leaders to ensure compliance. Anyone failing to use the pedestrian bridge or attempting to cross through the drainage will face a fine of ₦5,000 or be handed over to the police,’ he warned.
The Managing Director however hinted that the order was aimed at raising awareness and ensuring the safety of all road users while assuring that the enforcement project would be sustained.
Commending government’s efforts, Mrs. Chika Nnamani spoke on the dangers of crossing the drainage, recalling a tragic incident where a vehicle knocked down a woman and her child.
‘I used to cross the drainage, but after witnessing that accident, I stopped. I urge the government to keep up the good work,’ she said.
Similarly, a tricycle driver, Onyekachukwu Michael, also supported the move, noting that many lives had been lost due to accidents at Unizik and Regina Caeli Junctions. He advised people to use the pedestrian bridge and avoid crossing the drainage, praising ACTDA’s efforts to enhance road safety.
