Commuters groan as Apapa gridlock worsens

Yesterday appeared to be the worst day in the history of the unabating huge traffic challenge that has engulfed Apapa area of Lagos State, as tankers and cars piled up behind each other in a gridlock on both major roads leading into the Apapa area of Lagos.

The gridlock on the Ijora and Mile 2 roads was frustrating as commuters, who had various businesses to conduct in Apapa spent over five hours to get their destinations on  routes that should take 50 minutes. In the midst of the heavy traffic, some of the vehicles broke down on the roads while some people left their vehicles with their drivers.

One could see the frustration on the faces of commuters yesterday as they remained helpless in the traffic. After realising that the traffic situation was worse than they thought, many passengers in both commercial and private vehicles  resorted to trekking to their destinations.

Apapa is home to two of the nation’s busiest sea ports and several other businesses but the situation is causing relocation of some businesses which is causing pressure on the other areas of the city.

A commuter, Kola who was seen trekking said “we know that there is always traffic jam in Apapa, but today (yesterday) seems to be the worst day.”

He added, “Apapa is always blocked. This is caused by the tankers and trailers that go to the wharf to carry cargo. Some of them park at anauthorised places and on the bridges without concern to authorities and other motorists. This is frustrating.”

Other commuters said what baffles them is that it appears that nothing is being done on the constant gridlock that has frustrated business in the area.

Early in the week, the governor of Lagos State, Babatunde Fashola met with operators of tank farms in the area and advised them to conduct their businesses with more consideration for others.

Fashola urged the tank farm owners to reflect on the negative impact of their operations on the other businesses and the environment generally. “You must spare a thought for those who do other businesses in Apapa. They are complaining to me about how tankers have taken over their businesses. And the people I see here are some of the most sophisticated people that our country has produced. I think we can do better”, he said.