National Theatre parking lot abandoned

The multi-million naira car park built within the precincts of the National Theatre, Iganmu, Lagos, about two years ago has been abandoned.

A check by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) revealed that the park, located close to the entrance of the theatre complex, is now covered by weeds, with water tanks, four broken down plants and vehicles abandoned there.

The park, constructed in 2009, has the capacity for, at least 100 vehicles.

Officials, who spoke with NAN, said that the parking lot was constructed to solve the problem of parking space for visitors and fun-seekers, who besieged the National Theatre particularly at weekends and during festivities.

But the general manager of the complex, Kabir Yusuf, declined comment on the abandoned park, saying it was not built by the organisation.

He, however, disclosed a comprehensive plan by the federal government to re-design the complex into a world class tourists' destination. According to him, a five-star hotel and other facilities are to be provided within the premises of the complex.

On security, Mr Yusuf said adequate measures had been put in place to ensure the security of lives and property.

"It was in those days that people were robbed and girls were raped, but now there is security at the complex.

"We have introduced police patrol and we also have police dogs to curtail any criminal activity; criminals cannot operate here anymore because there is no room for them," he said.

Mr Yusuf urged the government to increase the level of funding to the national monument.

"There is need for increased funding of the National Theatre for its maintenance," he added.

Credit: 234NEXT

17/09/11