The Lagos State Government has warned residents of the state to avoid walking on the blocked Ogun River, saying the action exposes them to danger.
It added that the river could open up at any time with dire consequences, urging residents to steer clear of the area.
A section of the river, which is under the bridge at the Kara Cattle Market end of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, was blocked by vegetation on Saturday.
A large number of people were said to have stormed the scene with their phones and recording devices, taking pictures, while others turned the area into a prayer ground.
The state government lamented that the traffic on the expressway had worsened due to an increase in the number of residents and motorists, who parked their vehicles on the road to catch a glimpse of the ‘magical’ river.
The Commissioner for Waterfront Infrastructure Development, Adebowale Akinsanya, in a statement on Monday, added that it was dangerous for residents to besiege the site as the flow of the river was still active beneath.
He said, “It is important to notify the public that we have been worried about the environmental consequence of the dried up river. The flow of the river is still active beneath the vegetation and the situation is being evaluated.
“However, because of the compacted nature of the vegetation, residents and onlookers are of an erroneous belief that the river has suddenly dried up and they can walk across the vegetation.
“A lot of people that have turned the place to a tourist destination are unaware of the danger ahead. It is important for the public to be aware that the vegetation can give way at any time and lead to a potential disastrous situation.”
He advised residents to go about their lawful activities and desist from the habit of parking on the bridge to take pictures.
“This is causing serious traffic, hardship and loss of business time to other commuters on the road. Carrying out any activity on the vegetation on the river is dangerous,” Akinsanya added.
0 Comment to "Lagos warns residents against walking on Ogun River "
Post a Comment