The construction and subsequent tolling of the Lekki-Ikoyi Link Bridge in Lagos has ignited a division between the supposed rich and poor residents of the state.
Those residing in sub-urban settlements in the state such as Ajegunle, Iyana Ipaja and Mushin warned the state government against the construction of such a bridge that would be subjected to tolling in their areas.
On nairaland.com, a commenter with the
name Nosegbe says, “This bridge was obviously built for the high-class neighbourhoods of Lekki Phase I and environs. People who can afford to pay the toll. I would have had issues if the bridge was built and tolled at Ayobo, Iyana-Ipaja, Agege, Ajegunle or Ikorodu.
“It’s a win-win as far as I see. The Lekki folks get the satisfaction of bypassing Ozumba traffic leaving it less congested for others and the government makes more money which can be used for other purposes.”
They argue further that since it is the delight of residents of the affected areas to enjoy the luxury of a cable-stayed bridge, government should go ahead and build more of such bridges that will be tolled in highbrow areas to free up funds for less developed areas.
A reader on punchng.com, Wale Balogun, says the majority of people rejoicing about the toll being levied on people using the newly constructed 1.53km-long bridge were the ‘haves’ and not the “haves not.”
He explains that the reason why those residing in the suburbs will always resist such initiative is because what they need in their communities are basic amenities such as good schools for their children, affordable housing and not luxury of a “cable bridge.”
He says, “That cable bridge is not on the priority of the people in these areas (suburbs) for now, what they need in the immediate are: good and affordable housing; good and portable water; good schools for their children; motor-able roads not the luxury of a bridge and so on.
“So, let the users of that bridge pay a little from their ‘haves’ so that government will be able to provide for the ‘haves-not’ in Ajegunle, Ayobo, Ipaja, Mushin and others.
“If those in Lekki-Ajah can enjoy the luxury of a ‘cable bridge’ as you may wish to call it to the detriment of others in the state, then it will not be too much to ask them to pay as little as N250 to ply a 1.53km road to ease their travel time.”
But those residing in the rich neighbourhoods of Lekki, Ikoyi and its environs say the tolling of the bridge is a good development as many of them appeared to be polishing their ego with the payment of the toll.
“I strongly commend the state government for this giant stride. Not minding the critics, the toll gate system will at least help to separate the men from the boys,” a commenter on nairaland.com notes.
Another commenter on nairaland.com with the name Batman, described the toll as token adding that he has got no reason to complain about paying for it.
He says, “Its better to pay a token toll – bottled Coke and Gala money- to use a bridge that’s convenient than not pay a toll and get stuck.
“At least the people paying are not complaining because they are not broke and if you can’t afford it, there’s a cheaper and a free route.
“If you are not careful, they’ll charge you to look at the bridge. Looks good, don’t it? Some people seem bitter about the bridge, are they truly that concerned?”
Another comment on the forum reads,”This Bridge really pains some people ooo. They’re complaining more than the people that are to pay the toll. And I’m sure they aren’t going to use it. Why? Is it their money?
Meanwhile,some Nigerians say the new policy of building roads and introducing tolling on them amounts to double taxation.
According to them, if more of such bridges and roads are to be constructed in the state, the government should relax its current rate of tax so as not to serve as a burden on the citizenry.
A respondent argues on nairaland.com, “What makes other people living in Lekki different? Why will they be paying tolls when government have deducted tax in every forms ranging from corporate tax, Land Use Charge, Certificate of Occupancy, Tenement Rate to Value Added Tax.
“What other purposes do they have for collecting tolls when taxes are always been paid everyday. Government should not hide under the guise that some high profile people can afford to pay tolls to begin to scam Nigerians.’
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