UNIZIK Junction pedestrian bridge converted to a mini-market, beggars enclave

Dear Editor,

UNIZIK Junction pedestrian bridge converted to a mini-market, beggars enclave.

The Pedestrian bridge constructed at UNIZIK Junction located at the Awka axis of the Onitsha-Enugu expressway in Anambra state has been converted to a mini market an enclave for beggars.

The construction of the bridge was flagged off during the administration of ex-Governor Chris Ngige and completed by his successor, tPeter Obi.

The bridge was constructed to aide pedestrians to cross the road easily and safely but the activities of some people at the bridge who turned the area into a small market and house of beggars is worrisome.

People now find it difficult to use the facility because it is now overcrowded with displayed goods and people begging for alms.

Apart from some traders who use the bridge as their stores, a few disabled and many able bodied men and women now storm the bridge with their families to ask for alms.

There was a little drama Saturday when one of the beggars who appeared fit asked a lady passing by to give her some money. The lady told the woman that she had only N50 on her. The beggar responded by telling the woman she was stingy.

When the beggar was asked why she used such rude words, she said that she was there to make money and not to pose as a cinema for pedestrians. Further enquiries showed that the woman was there with her children and husband who all appeared fit.

Some users of the bridge lamented about the incident and expressed fear that if urgent attention is not taken by government, the bridge might turn to a crime zone.