The Lagos State Government has reopened the Ojota/Maryland sections of the Odo Iya Alaro Bridge to vehicular movement, following repairs and maintenance.
During the reopening ceremony on Monday, Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat emphasised the state’s commitment to safeguarding public infrastructure and declared a zero-tolerance policy for infrastructure abuse.
Hamzat expressed concern over the frequent theft of manhole covers and other bridge components, revealing that the government has replaced stolen manhole covers with fibre-made versions instead of steel to deter theft. He warned that anyone caught stealing the covers or other bridge apparatuses would be prosecuted.
Hamzat further noted that the administration is prioritising road and bridge infrastructure to reduce travel time, alleviate traffic congestion, and improve the overall safety and convenience of commuters in Lagos. He also mentioned that the expansion joints of the bridge, which are critical for its functionality, have been repaired, and additional pedestrian bridges have been marked for routine maintenance.
He said, “Everybody keeps saying that maintenance of infrastructure is a challenge. But, in Lagos, we are saying it is not. This informed our decision to maintain this infrastructure and put it in good shape. The expansion joints which are necessary accessories for bridges were repaired and are now in good shape, and all the manholes that were stolen have been replaced.
“But it is important to say that these new manhole covers are fibres and not metals. So if you steal it, it is useless. But the manhole covers protect people. It is to protect human beings so they don’t fall off bridges. This is a safety issue. It is no longer steel. It is fibre and so difficult to remove. And even if you remove it, it’s useless to you, and if you are caught, you will be prosecuted.
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“This administration is focused on road and bridge infrastructure to reduce travel time, save important man-hours that would have been otherwise lost to traffic; boost interconnectivity; provide better riding surface; eliminate traffic gridlocks and generally make life more meaningful to commuters. And because we place a high premium on the safety of lives, many pedestrian bridges have also been identified for routine maintenance.”
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