BLUE RAIL LINE PROJECT: Lagos May Record High Death Rate, As Stakeholders Advocate Mass Sensitization In 4 Major Languages

Ahead of the blue rail line project commencement, the Lagos State Government has been advised to embark on aggressive campaign strategy on the danger inherent on the railways to avoid loss of lives by innocent Nigerians who are not enlightened or informed adequately about the high voltage connectivity of the tracks.

 

Recall that the Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo Olu administration had announced the January commissioning date, saying, the  rail line would begin operations after test running, to move 250,000 passengers daily .

 

The Governor warned Nigerians to bear in their minds that  rail system is powered by electricity; thus people must not  trespass on it in any way,which according to him, Crossing the tracks is no longer an option.

 

He said ” Anyone who attempts vandalism on the track put his life at great risk. Pedestrian bridges have been provided to enable pedestrian crossings.”

 

 

The completed tracks, spanning 13 kilometres in the first phase, extend from Mile 2 to Marina, covering five stations. The construction started in 2010 under the administration of Governor Babatunde Raji Fashola. It experienced some delays in the succeeding administration, before the current Government continued from 2019.

 

 

 

 

But in a renewed commitment for the government to ensure adequate and proper dissemination of information on the dangers of the blue rail line project, Nigerians have called on the Governor to enlighten the public in Yoruba, Igbo, Hausa and pidgin languages before operations commence fully.

 

The stakeholders lamented what the LASG has embarked on was meant for the elitist and enlightened , noting that majority of those who might be affected as citizens are Ill informed.

 

Speaking with a cross section of citizens about the high risk on Tuesday in Lagos, they stated that local languages will convey the message better than what is obtained on social media.

 

According to them, regular announcement on  radio or television in these four local languages will save millions of lives on the dangers of the railways.

 

Prince Noah Abiola, Chairman, Irebami Community Development Association (CDA),Ikotun, under Alimosho Local Government Area, advised that the only way to avoid loss of lives as regard the rail line electrocution, should be based on massive campaign by the state government adding that local languages should be in the forefront in very radio or television.

 

Abiola described the awareness campaign on social media as unsatisfactory to the masses noting that life is of essence and must be prioritized.

 

 

He said”Lagos State Government & LAMATA should endeavor to translate this announcement  in Yoruba, Igbo, Hausa and Pidgin languages for our people to have proper understanding and to prevent death in huge numbers.

 

“It is important to share this information to safe lives, the CDA chairman affirmed.

 

The CDA Chairman further urged the government to ensure regular maintenance culture of the infrastructure pointing out that

“Like you can obviously observe that the BRT bus terminals/ bus stops are not properly maintained and majority of them are no longer in optimal state of functionality.

 

 

“I’ll therefore advise that LAMATA/ Lagos State Government and the citizens should improve on our maintenance culture so that the facility can stand the test of time.

 

 

“The LAMATA/LASG should do all within their capability to prevent ticket racketeering and effect strict enforcement of the law against saboteurs.

 

“Speedy completion of the Red line and other proposed metro rail lines linking more locations within and outside the state in good record time.”

 

Similarly, Eguono Odjegba a journalist lamented, lamented that the project is highly sophisticated thus the need for the government to ensure adequate sensitization of the public mostly the less privileged and elderly.

 

Odjegba averred that if the government fails to carry out adequate public awareness campaign would lead to high numbers of death cases which he stated may not be ideal for the state.

 

A fashion designer, who preferred anonymity , said the state government should carry out public awareness strategies for the populace to get informed.

 

She also affirmed project is good vandals who are bent on sabotaging the system.

 

She decried that  information is yet to reach the grassroot hence the need for continuous sensitization upon commencement in January 2023.

 

By Roland Ekama