Desmond Elliot, has explained the motive behind the construction of a wooden bridge, popularly called "pako bridge," which he initiated for his constituents. The lawmaker representing Surulere I Constituency in the Lagos State House of Assembly was heavily criticized in 2020 after pictures of the wooden bridge project surfaced online.
Elliot stated that he decided to build the wooden bridge after he went to the area to console a mother who had lost her 13-year-old daughter in a canal. While on their way to Shitta to retrieve the girl's body, the bridge that crossed the canal was very fragile, and the residents pleaded with him to help them rebuild it.
According to Elliot, he donated N800,000 to the community for the bridge, and they eventually reached out to him and requested to put his picture on the bridge to show their appreciation. However, the wooden bridge is currently in poor condition, and Elliot has brought it to the attention of the state government for repairs.
In a recent interview on TVC's popular breakfast show, Your View, Desmond Elliot further explained the idea behind the wooden bridge project and addressed the criticism he received for building the wooden bridge and public toilets for his constituents. Watch the interview below:
