The Nigerian Institute of Architects (NIA), Rivers state branch, has unveiled in Port-Harcourt a 3D (three dimensional) zebra crossing as part of its corporate social responsibility.
Situated across road between Capt Elechi Amadi Polytechnic and Olanada Model Primary School, Rumuola the 3D zebra crossing was unveiled by Chief Sir Arc Boma Braide on Thursday.
Speaking in an interview, the Chairman of the NIA, Arc Asomba Andrew Egbuonu, said that the 3D zebra crossing was part of the institute`s corporate social responsibility, to protect the lives of those crossing the road.
He said: “Nigerian Institute of Architects, Rivers State chapter, has decided that as part of our corporate social responsibility, and in support of the government of Rivers State, especially to protect the lives of the people of Rivers State, that we should introduce this zebra crossing so that…(it could) protect lives of citizens and make it easier for pedestrians to cross safely”.
He said the zebra crossing was to complement government`s effort in infrastructure.
He said the NIA brought in official from the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), to educate motorists and pedestrians on the use of the zebra crossing.
The 3D zebra crossing has a visual impression which makes motorists to slow down as they approach it. A zebra crossing is a pedestrian crossing, used in many parts of the world, with alternating dark and light stripes on the road surface, resembling the coat of a zebra, and gives priority to the pedestrian.
Also speaking, the Vice Chairman of the NIA, Arc Tim Orji, re-echoed the zebra crossing was part of the institute’s corporate social responsibility saying that it’s to ensure commuters use the road safely.
“As architects, we add value to whatever thing we are engaged in doing. This is … 3D zebra crossing…(and) we decided to come up with an innovation by creating a 3D zebra crossing…that has a pseudo box-like effect and you (motorists) have to slow down”, he said.
Also speaking in an interview, the Public Education Officer of Federal Road Safety Corps in Rivers State Command, Route Commander Michael John, said that zebra crossing was to control the “excesses” of drivers, saying the zebra crossing would serve as a safe part of the road for pedestrians to cross.
He said that it would be “very serious offence” for motorists to knock down someone crossing the road on zebra crossing and appealed drivers should have “consideration” for pedestrians, adding at zebra crossing pedestrians have right of way.
Speaking when the road sign was unveiled, the deputy Rector, Administration, of Capt Elechi Amadi Polytechnic Dr Fubara Alex had thanked the NIA for the project and said he believes the rate of possible accidents would be minimized by the zebra crossing.
He said the school was grateful and the students happy for the 3D zebra crossing.
Students of the polytechnic, NIA members and pedestrians had crossed the road on the zebra crossing as demonstration.
