By Seun Adams
The Minister of Works Engr. David Umahi has expressed concern over the bad conditions of almost all critical bridges in Lagos.
Umahi, made this known while inspecting the Third Mainland, Carter and Eko bridges in Lagos on Wednesday.
Briefing the media after an on the spot assessment by the Jetty at the Lagos 3rd Mainland Bridge, the Minister said: “Almost all the bridges in Lagos are having problems.
He however promised that the challenges will be swiftly attended to.
According to him, the Third Mainland Bridge though closed to heavy trucks is having problems of slabs deflection, removal of structural elements, adding that this has rendered the road exposed thereby posing danger to road users.
The pie cap on the bridge is also having some defects. The Minister explained that this in addition to the trading under it, is the reason why it is difficult to close down the Eko Bridge and that has also accounted for the slow pace of work there.
He also stressed the need for urgent attention to be given to the Carter bridge in order to make movement of people and goods easy adding that the Federal government is committed to rehabilitating these bridges as soon as possible to save it from further deterioration as government can not afford to construct new ones.
Umahi, pointed out the need for CCTV cameras to be installed to watch the bridges for rapid response when the need arises.
The Director Highways, South West in the Ministry Engr. Adedamola Kuti advised Nigerians to desist from the illegal activities around the bridge and the people to promptly report any of such.
