Rusty ramps, permanent unsanitary conditions, damaged surveillance cameras, driver negligence and lack of maintenance are all blatant signs of deterioration on many footbridges and flyovers in Dakar and its suburbs. These infrastructures, although essential to traffic, particularly during rush hours when the flow of vehicles becomes particularly dense, are increasingly vulnerable in terms of security. This situation generates a climate of psychosis among citizens, due to frequent incidents involving heavy goods vehicles and other vehicles.
One afternoon in Mermoz, traffic on the Voie de Dégagement Nord (VDN) is particularly congested. Pedestrians of all ages cross the roadway, ignoring the footbridges built for their safety. Recent incidents have raised serious concerns about the reliability of these infrastructures, and many Senegalese are pointing the finger at the laxity of the authorities. In Yoff-Tonghor, a footbridge was damaged by a truck, causing endless traffic jams.
Under the flyover of the Keur Gorgui city, Mansour Guèye, enjoying some fresh air, expresses his discontent. Dressed in a checked shirt, he deplores the absence of police officers to dissuade heavy goods vehicle drivers from driving where they should not. “The police, who are supposed to manage these situations, are not present to dissuade these drivers. A truck that should not pass through a certain location must be diverted by those monitoring traffic,” he says. He also points out that some pedestrians prefer to slip between vehicles rather than use the footbridges, thus putting their lives in danger: “Sometimes, they neglect the footbridges to slip between vehicles,” he confesses, adding that He also happens to do it. This behavior constitutes, according to him, “a great danger”.
Not far from there, Ousmane Ngom, an elderly man sitting nearby, shares his feeling: for him, footbridges are often too cumbersome for elderly people, who find it difficult to climb the stairs. “It’s a real challenge for older people,” he explains.
On the other side of the VDN, opposite the Sonatel headquarters, pedestrians impatiently cross the road, despite a sign prohibiting this practice. Dusk is approaching, and the urgency to get back to their suburban neighborhoods pushes people to ignore safety rules. Despite concerns, some pedestrians continue to view footbridges as the safest way to cross.
Justin Zallé, who has just descended from a footbridge on the VDN, affirms that these infrastructures remain the safest routes for pedestrians, despite the recent incidents which have concerned him. “The footbridges remain, by far, the safest ways to cross in traffic jams,” he informs. He calls for the construction of more footbridges to improve traffic flow, pointing out that several of them have been damaged in neighborhoods like Diamaguene and Keur Massar. Justin insists on the need to strengthen vigilance and control of infrastructure in order to guarantee the safety of users. However, many of the footbridges are in a state of disrepair, with some having become unsafe and threatening to collapse.
In a press release dated December 11, the Minister of Infrastructure and Land and Air Transport called on drivers and users to demonstrate responsibility and good citizenship regarding the preservation of infrastructure and compliance with traffic rules. This message was reiterated after an incident on December 13, causing significant material damage. The minister also announced that sanctions would be applied to the perpetrators of damage, while specifying that legal proceedings could be initiated.
Oumar Takourou
