EKO NEWS
Lagos: David Umahi Orders Closure of Waterway Between Eko and Carter Bridges
- Unahi announced that the owner or operator of the dredging equipment responsible for the damage to the Eko Bridge has been apprehended
- The minister orders the closure in response to concerns over structural damage caused by illegal dredging activities
- The directive was issued on Saturday, April 5
The Minister of Works David Umahi has ordered the immediate closure of the waterway between the Eko and Carter Bridges in Lagos in response to concerns over structural damage caused by illegal dredging activities.
Eko Hot Blog reports that the directive was issued on Saturday, April 5, during an inspection tour of critical infrastructure in the state.
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Emphasizing the potential safety risks posed by continued operations in the affected area, Umahi called for swift action from Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to enforce the closure and prevent a possible disaster.
This decision comes shortly after the Federal Government’s recent reopening of the Independence Bridge, highlighting the ongoing challenges of balancing infrastructure development with public safety in the region.
“The dredger struck a pier cap, causing both the cap and the pier to collapse and sink,” the minister disclosed during the inspection.
He announced that the owner or operator of the dredging equipment responsible for the damage to the Eko Bridge has been apprehended. The Federal Government plans to pursue punitive actions commensurate with the severity of the damage caused
Expressing disappointment over the situation, Umahi highlighted the ongoing issue of illegal dredging, which continues in the vicinity of the Third Mainland Bridge despite a Federal Executive Council resolution passed four months ago.
The resolution prohibits dredging within a 10-kilometer radius of any bridge in the country, emphasizing the government’s commitment to preserving vital infrastructure and ensuring public safety.
“I am shocked to see dredging still going on. These activities compromise the structural integrity of our bridges,” he stated.
He also warned against the increasing practice of parking and loading on bridges, describing it as a dangerous trend that must be stopped.
“The preservation of our infrastructure and the safety of citizens must remain paramount. We will not tolerate any act that endangers lives or weakens public assets,” Umahi added.
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The Minister’s tour comes as part of a broader initiative by the Federal Ministry of Works to assess and enhance the durability of key national assets amidst rising concerns over infrastructure decay and public safety.
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