LAGOS GRIDLOCK: Stakeholders seek effective strategies

LAGOS—A World Bank Consultant on Transportation, Dr. Gboyega Banjo, Prof. Olukayode Oyesiku and Corps Marshal, Federal Road Safety Commission, FRSC, Boboye Oyeyemi, have charged the Lagos State Government to explore the use of modern intermodal system as well as strict enforcement of road traffic laws if she is desirous of reducing the traffic gridlock and other challenges facing the transport sector in the state.

File: Traffic gridlock 

In an apparent response, Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode has assured residents of his strong political will to take tough decisions in unlocking traffic problems in the state even as he charged stakeholders in the sector to come up with effective strategies that would bring about a robust traffic management system for implementation in the state.

Ambode and speakers at the forum made the remarks yesterday, at a one-day Traffic Management and Transportation Summit, with the theme: “Tackling Current, Evolving and Future Traffic Management Needs of Lagos State”, being organised by the state government.

One feared dead as container falls on bus

Tragedy struck yesterday afternoon on the Oshodi/Apapa Expressway at the popular Ilasa Bus Stop, when a container-laden trailer fell on a Toyota Hiace bus resulting in the alleged death of the driver. None of the emergency and rescue officials present confirmed if the driver died.

According to eyewitness reports at the scene of the incidence, the container had been tilting on its side for a while. When it moved into the big ditch at Ilasa, it lost control and fell on a red Toyota bus, crushing it instantly.

Officials of the Lagos State Transport Management Authority (LASTMA) and policemen were present to remove the affected vehicles and control traffic buildup as the congestion had stretched almost as far as Mile 2.

Eyewitnesses blamed the terrible state of the road for the frequent accidents. Last week, two containers fell at that same spot but thankfully no lives were lost. From Sadiku bus stop to Pallet, the road is riddled with massive potholes, which has caused several accidents and traffic buildup.