By Karen James
AWKA, Anambra State – The residents of Awka, the capital city of Anambra State, have showered encomiums and panegyrics on the Governor Chukwuma Soludo-led administration, particularly the Awka Capital Territory Development Authority (ACTDA), for their move to clamp down on the defaulters of the ban against crossing the Enugu-Onitsha Expressway without using the pedestrian bridge.
In recent times, many pedestrians around the UNIZIK Junction axis of the Enugu-Onitsha Expressway in Awka have continued to disregard the pedestrian bridge available at the Junction. Instead, they resort to ‘walk-crossing’ or running across the ever-busy Expressway from one side to the other. This dangerous act has posed numerous risks to the lives of pedestrians, and even resulted in a thriving business for some area boys who provide planks as a pathway across the drainage, charging pedestrians for its use.
Despite the warning sign placed by ACTDA at the particular spot, these practices have continued. However, the narrative has taken a positive turn as the Agency launched a total clampdown on the defaulting pedestrians who have stubbornly refused to make use of the pedestrian bridge despite several warnings, advocacy, and enlightenment campaigns championed by the agency.
Speaking on the initiative, Mr. Ossy Onuko, the Managing Director and CEO of ACTDA, emphasized the importance of safeguarding the lives of pedestrians and ensuring effective utilization of government-provided infrastructure. He stressed the need to prevent accidents and fatalities resulting from the reckless practice of crossing the Expressway without using the pedestrian bridge.
Mr. Onuko disclosed that prior to the current initiative, ACTDA had taken persuasive steps and made efforts to discourage such acts but to no avail. Therefore, people will now be stationed in the area to monitor and apprehend anyone who crosses the Expressway without using the bridge. He warned that defaulters would pay a fine of N5000 ($12) to deter others from engaging in the dangerous practice.
Describing the defiant act as grossly irresponsible and life-threatening, Mr. Onuko explained that taking precautionary measures is necessary, given the speeding vehicles and chaotic rush involved in crossing the Expressway. He added that this move aligns with Governor Soludo’s vision to ensure the well-being and safety of the people, creating an orderly, safe, and livable environment for all in Anambra State.
Highlighting the benefits of using the pedestrian bridge, Mr. Onuko advised pedestrians and residents to support Governor Soludo’s vision and refrain from sabotaging government efforts or exposing themselves and their loved ones to avoidable deaths. He stressed the importance of complying with relevant measures and regulations.
In separate interviews, some pedestrians who were seen using the pedestrian bridge expressed their support for the initiative. Sir Joseph Udeoba, Mrs. Aṅanti Adenike, and Mr. Anselm Nwosu commended the Anambra State Government and ACTDA for their decisive step towards enhancing safety and well-being. They highlighted the risks associated with crossing the Expressway without using the bridge and expressed optimism that the enforcement of the ban would reduce or possibly end the dangerous practice.
The trio emphasized that using the pedestrian bridge provides peace of mind, ensures safe crossing, contributes to more orderly traffic flow, and reduces road accidents. They urged the government to maintain enforcement measures to ensure continued compliance and called on fellow pedestrians to embrace the use of the bridge, reminding them that taking shortcuts can cut short their lives too.
The clampdown on the defaulters of the ban against crossing the Enugu-Onitsha Expressway without using the pedestrian bridge is part of the governor’s efforts to transform the capital city and create a safe and livable environment for all residents of Anambra State.
