Minister of Works, David Umahi, yesterday lamented indiscriminate dredging in Lagos State and called for the immediate closure of the waterway between Eko Bridge and Carter Bridge due to severe structural damage caused by dredging activities.
Umahi spoke after inspecting the under-deck infrastructure of the bridges and the substructure of the pier caps of Carter and Eko bridges to check the structural integrity of major bridges in Lagos.
The minister expressed grave concerns over the structural integrity and substructure of the Eko Bridge, particularly the piers caps.
He noted that despite efforts and stern warnings issued against dredging activities and excavation of sands of the bridge infrastructure the illegal dredging has continued, lamenting that the piers supporting the Eko Bridge had been severely damaged with a whole pier totally removed and only reinforcement rods holding the section in place.
Umahi described the situation as “an emergency” and urged Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and relevant authorities to enforce the closure to prevent accidents.
According to him, despite a Federal Executive Council ban, dredging activities continue near the Third Mainland Bridge, undermining bridge stability.
Umahi called for public cooperation to avoid parking and loading on bridges, which are designed for dynamic loads, not static loading.
Speaking further on the rehabilitation process, he said about 75 per cent of Eko Bridge rehabilitation works had been completed, with 700 meters of expansion joints installed and 2,500 meters of concrete handrails completed.
Umahi emphasised the importance of safeguarding Nigeria’s infrastructure and citizens’ lives, urging the public to cooperate in preventing accidents.
He clarified that the directive pertains solely to the waterway, not the bridges themselves and appealed for stakeholders’ support in enforcing the closure.
