How uncovered manholes are causing untold tragedies in Lagos
There’s a growing concern about the number of avoidable accidents and lives that have been lost due to uncovered manholes in Lagos. The issue which has generated a lot of anger from the public in the past is still yet to be fully fixed.
Last year, Adewura Bello, a 26-year old accountant working in Ikeja met her untimely death after she fell into a manhole on her way home. She had taken an Okada after heavy rainfall, expecting to reach home faster. But on getting to Gowon Estate in Iyana Ipaja, the bike bumped into a manhole that was covered by the flood. She didn’t survive the fall as the flood swept her deeper into the canal.
Adewura’s death shocked many Nigerians as her body was discovered 11 days after she disappeared. Her family had been searching for her without any luck. Eventually, she was found lying face down at the Abule Odu end of the canal. By that time, her face had been badly damaged. She was only recognized with her shirt and a birthmark on her body.
Many people were outraged by the incident as they called on the government to fix the uncovered manholes that posed danger to the road users.
After some months when the issue had been forgotten, everyone returned to life as usual. The government was yet to cover several manholes that could cause another mishap.
But the matter was brought back to the limelight this week after a dangerous manhole was spotted at Iddo. Commuters were alarmed to realize that there was no sign to warn road users about the gaping hole. On further findings, it turned out that the manhole at Iddo was just one of the many open manholes that littered Lagos roads.
Reacting to the issue, many Lagosians took to social media to express displeasure on what they believed to be the government’s negligence.
“Open manhole like this are seen all over lagos. Worst are the ones on Eko bridge. @jidesanwoolu @followlasg this is the real Lagos,” a Twitter user tweeted.
“I saw a jogger fall into one of those open holes on Alexander Avenue in Ikoyi last year. Luckily he was not seriously injured,” someone else commented.
“We appeal to the authorities to inspect open manhole on Lagos roadways and have them properly covered to prevent avoidable deaths,” another one tweeted.
It wasn’t long before some celebrities joined in on the matter. Lending his voice to the conversation, Nigerian rapper and record producer, M.I Abaga posted a video of a frightening manhole around Iddo and urged Lagos Governor, Jide Sanwo-Olu to save lives by getting it fixed.
“Apparently this open man-hole is in Lagos around iddo area. dear @jidesanwoolu @lagosstategov please let’s save lives and deal with this!!!!” He tweeted.
Following the appeal, the Lagos State Government is reportedly replacing manhole covers across the state. According to some eyewitnesses, the missing manhole covers on Eko Bridge were replaced yesterday. And more are still being replaced.
