The federal government is set to begin palliative repairs on failing expansion joints along key bridges on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.
This was disclosed during a press briefing on Saturday by the Federal Controller of Works in Lagos, Mrs Olukorede Kesha, following a crash involving an 18-seater commercial bus at Arepo bus stop the previous day.
Several passengers sustained serious injuries in the incident, which Kesha said resulted from a structural failure at one of the expansion joints.
Kesha identified the Kara, Arepo and Magboro bridges as priority locations requiring immediate intervention. She noted that the expansion joints on these bridges have deteriorated significantly, with some already showing signs of failure.
She confirmed that a contractor currently operating along the expressway has been directed to begin palliative works this weekend as a short-term measure, pending official approval for full-scale rehabilitation.
The controller also drew attention to the impact of vandalism on public infrastructure, stating that it contributes significantly to the rapid deterioration of vital structures.
“Some of these failures result from acts of vandalism,” she said, urging citizens to treat public facilities as shared property and to report acts of sabotage to law enforcement agencies.
Kesha expressed regret over the inconveniences and accidents caused by the deteriorating infrastructure, adding that the government is committed to ensuring safer roads. She appealed to the public for cooperation and support in protecting national assets.
“Damaging public property does not benefit any responsible citizen. Let us regard these facilities as our own property,” she stated.
