Marine Road, Apapa, on the Verge of Collapse
Residents, motorists and businesses along Marine Road, off Liverpool Road in Apapa, Lagos, have raised fresh concerns over the rapid deterioration of a major section of the road, warning that it could collapse completely if immediate action is not taken.
The road, which serves as a key access route for residents, commercial vehicles and port users within the Apapa corridor, has developed extensive cracks and deep depressions, leaving parts of the carriageway badly damaged and unsafe for motorists and pedestrians.
A visit by our correspondent showed that the affected section has deteriorated significantly, with wide cracks running across the road and portions of the asphalt sinking, creating a serious safety risk.
To avert possible accidents, residents have placed concrete traffic drums and caution tapes around the failed section. Despite these efforts, they say the road remains dangerous, particularly at night when visibility is poor.
The worsening condition has heightened fears that the continuous movement of heavy duty trucks and articulated vehicles along the corridor could trigger a complete collapse at any moment.
Motorists now struggle to navigate the damaged section, while pedestrians are forced to walk close to the failed edges, raising concerns over the safety of road users.
Residents also warned that a total collapse of the road could disrupt movement within the Apapa port corridor, cut off access to homes and businesses, and worsen traffic congestion in one of Nigeria’s busiest commercial districts.
According to them, the cracks have continued to widen after every rainfall, indicating that the structural failure may extend beneath the road surface.
“This is no longer an ordinary pothole. This road is collapsing before our very eyes. Every day the cracks become wider, and everybody who passes here fears the worst. We are simply waiting for disaster if nothing is done urgently,” a resident lamented.
Another commuter described the road as “a ticking time bomb,” warning that one heavily loaded truck or prolonged rainfall could cause the entire section to give way.
Residents expressed disappointment that despite the obvious danger, no emergency repair work has commenced, urging the relevant authorities to act before lives and property are lost.
They called on the Apapa Local Government, the Lagos State Government, the Lagos State Ministry of Works and Infrastructure, and other relevant agencies to immediately carry out a structural assessment of the failed section and commence emergency reconstruction.
They also appealed to emergency management agencies to reinforce safety measures around the affected area pending permanent repairs.
For residents and businesses along Marine Road, the warning signs are unmistakable. The road is visibly giving way, the cracks continue to widen, and with every passing day, fears of a catastrophic collapse continue to grow.