Umahi Laments Bad Condition of Bridges in Lagos

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

The Minister of Works, David Umahi, yesterday expressed concern over the bad condition of almost all critical bridges in Lagos, and has therefore said the situation will be looked into.

 Umahi, who made this known while inspecting the Third Mainland, Carter and Eko bridges in Lagos, said even the Third Mainland which had been closed for heavy trucks was also having issues.

He listed some of the problems as deflection of slabs and removal of structural elements which he said has exposed the road and thereby posed danger to its users. “Almost all the bridges in Lagos are having problems but we are going to look at them,” he said.

The ‘pie cap’ on the bridge, he said, was also having some defects, according to a statement from Director  of Information, Press and Public Relations Unit in the ministry, Blessing Lere-Adams.

Explaining that it was in addition to the problem of trading under the bridge, Umahi noted that it remains part of the reasons it is difficult to close down the Eko Bridge which has in turn slowed down the 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 easier.

Umahi added that the federal government was committed to rehabilitating the bridges as soon as possible to save them from further deterioration as government cannot afford to construct new ones.

The minister pointed out the need for Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) cameras to be installed to watch the bridges for rapid response when the need arises.

In his remarks, the Director Highways, South West, in the Ministry, Adedamola Kuti, advised Nigerians to desist from the illegal  activities around the bridge and  to promptly report such incidents.