Even as most people are in yuletide celebration mood, however, there is not much to celebrate about the season for people living in the port city of Apapa.
The residents lamented that due to the poor state of the roads that lead in and out of Apapa and the traffic gridlock that has taken over the area for years, it will be difficult to have a nice Christmas or host friends and family in Apapa.
According to them, no friend or family will want to accept invitation to come down to Apapa.
The residents also grieved over the fact that, also considering what it means trying to get out of Apapa to visit friends and family, one would have no choice but to stay at home.
Owing to some of these factors inhibiting the access roads to Apapa, many of the recreational and amusement parks that are supposed to bring relieve and happiness, especially during the yuletide season have also started closing shops, while others are hoping that the government will do something about the access roads.
Speaking to our correspondent, the Secretary General of Apapa Amusement park, Maria Komolafe lamented that the park is losing customers on a daily basis due to the state of the road.
“Other years, it was rosy but this year I can’t say, because of the state of the road, the road is not encouraging at all, it is really affecting our business we are losing customers on a daily basis, many will tell you they want to come, but because of the road, the gridlock, the trailers and all that, they just give up, even people leaving in Apapa find it difficult, if there is any way they can help they should please do it fast”, she pleaded.
One of the residents of Apapa who spoke to our correspondent; Mrs. Ibidapo Esther lamented that aside the traffic gridlock, the dust and the pollution from tanker trailers and trucks would leave a sour taste in the mouth of whoever is coming to celebrate Christmas or new year in Apapa, she said Apapa is a no-go area especially during the festive season.
“Yes you are right, the traffic gridlock may discourage many people from coming to Apapa to celebrate the Christmas or New Year, because even those of us leaving here; if we have a choice we won’t be in Apapa.
“Aside the traffic gridlock, even the dust and other pollution is worse during season like this, if you were in Apapa last year December, you wouldn’t dare wear Christmas cloth for your children, because by the time they go out and comeback you just discover that the cloths are so dirty; their faces are so dirty because the whole place is polluted”
“it was that bad that even adults have to wear two or three cloths in a day, and it seems there will be a repeat of such again this year, which means our children will be denied of wearing Christmas cloth again this year” she lamented.
Mr. Niyi Adebowale another resident of Apapa also lamented that the blockage of access roads by trucks makes it impossible to respond to any medical emergency even at this period of celebration. He added that Nigeria as no regards for human life which has led to many lives being lost.
“Forget about Christmas no Christmas, we are supposed to enjoy everyday, not just on festive season, but we live in a country that does not respect sanctity of human lives, the truckers are condoning themselves as president in their own way, they block the access roads and there is nothing you can do about that, if it were to be in a country where the government cares about its citizens, one loss of life due to avoidable circumstances would be one life too many, and immediate action would be taken to prevent another loss of life.
“But this is our home, we can’t run away from it, we are still going to celebrate the Christmas in our own usual way, but it may not be as rosy as those of you leaving outside Apapa”, he said.
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