By Rayeesa Absal, Staff Reporter www.gulfnews.com
Dubai Poorly maintained pedestrian footbridges across the city irk residents, especially as temperatures rise.
Lack of elevators and non-functional escalators are some of the complaints raised by residents. There are different types of pedestrian crossings. Some are enclosed and have air conditioning, while others just have stairs or ramps. There are footbridges with and without escalators as well as elevators.
“Many elders, pregnant women and children are suffering as the elevators and escalators at many pedestrian bridges are not working,” Diwansha Rajarahim, a resident in Al Ghusais area said.
Fall on the stairs
His wife fell off the stairs, as she was returning home with groceries along the pedestrian bridge on Damascus Street and hurt her forehead on Saturday, he said. She was taken to Rashid Hospital for treatment, after the police were called in.
“We are using this bridge for more than two years but the elevator hardly ever works.”
Since the police regularly issue a fine of Dh200 for jaywalking, authorities should consider making it easier for pedestrians to use the footbridges, he urged. Rajarahim added that elevators at two other footbridges on the same street are not working either.
Benjie Thomas, also a resident of Al Ghusais, said that he has faced the same issue several times. More info
