Road users and residents along the Tin Can Port access road have lamented the lingering dirty state of the thoroughfare, despite the recent evacuation of trucks which had long cluttered its lanes.
Checks by Shipping Position Daily revealed that the removal of these trucks, while initially celebrated as a much-needed relief, has brought to light the underlying challenges posed by accumulated dirt and neglect along the ever-busy expressway.
In the aftermath of the truck evacuation, road users and residents alike had hoped for a revitalized and cleaner Tin Can Port access road. However, their optimism has been tempered by the stark reality of the road’s condition, which remains marred by filth and debris.
Our correspondent, who visited the Tin Can port many times last week, noted that the road and drainage systems are now filled with a lot of dirt that have even spilled over the road. This is even as stakeholders have called for urgent clean-up, following the evacuation of trucks that have over the years made the road their parking lots.
A freight forwarder and member of the Association of Nigeria Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA) Tin Can port chapter, Yussuf Alao, stated that although many stakeholders are happy with the evacuation of the trucks, the state of the road is not pleasing to the eyes, calling on the state government to clear the dirt.
He said, “We are happy that the road has been freed of these truck drivers, but the state of the road is an eyesore, that place is very dirty. We want the Lagos state government to do something about this. Only then can people appreciate the beauty of the road.”
A road user, Desmond Akpari, echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing the need for comprehensive action to address the persistent issue of dirt and neglect. “The recent clean-up efforts are a step in the right direction, but more needs to be done to ensure that the road remains clear and safe for everyone,” they remarked, underscoring the importance of sustained efforts.
In response to inquiries about the clean-up efforts, during a chat with our correspondent, Apapa Local Government Chairman; Mrs Idowu Adejumoke St. Banjo, acknowledged the challenges posed by the accumulation of dirt and debris. She said, “You know all the land under the bridges belong to the Federal Government”, even as she shed light on the complexities involved in tackling the issue.
“Although the federal government had asked us to clear the dirt under the Marine Bridge, they have given the land to us. But when I went to see the minister, he said the documentation has not been properly done, because we want to develop the place into a mega station. So, the process is still ongoing,” she elaborated, highlighting the bureaucratic hurdles that hinder swift action.
However, she explained that challenges persist on the Tin Can Island side, where jurisdictional disputes have further complicated matters. “On the Tin Can Island side, I cannot say much because the land facing the waterways, we learned there is litigation between NPA and the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing, so I don’t have jurisdiction over that,” she explained, underscoring the need for coordinated efforts to address the underlying issues.
All efforts to get the reaction of the Nigeria Ports Authority (NPA) regarding the state of the road proved abortive as calls and text messages sent to the Port Manager of Tin Can port; Mr Sylvester Othuke Egede, were unanswered.
