The Chairman, Lagos Island Local Government, Mr Wasiu Eshinlokun last Friday appealed for understanding by traders and transporters in the area, following the partial closure of the Third Mainland Bridge.

Eshinlokun made the appeal in an interview  in Lagos.

He said that the council was aware of the difficulty created by the development and would work with other relevant government agencies for easy flow of traffic in the area.

“We have put every machinery in motion both in material and human power in reducing to the barest minimum the issue of traffic gridlock occasioned by the partial closure, “ he said.

Eshinlokun also cautioned the youths in the area not to capitalise on the development by extorting money from traders and motorists coming or going out of the Island.

The Tide correspondent reports that there were noticeable increase in prices of goods and services since repair work commenced on the bridge about a week ago.

According to investigations, transport fares from the Island to Oshodi, which hitherto cost N150 have been increased to N200, while Ojota from Island, which cost N100, have been increased to N150.

Also transport fare from Island to Iyana Oworo has been jacked up to N120 from N70.

Marketers citing same reasons have also increased prices of household items and commodities.

A sachet of pure water, which before was been sold for N5 now cost N10 or three for N20 depending on bargaining power of the customer.

The Chairman, National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Lagos Island branch, Alhaji Raski Iroko, said that the union was working on ways of bringing back the fare to normal.

“We are aware of the increase and have started educating and enlightening our members on the need to bring back the fares, “ he said.