Lagos Suspends Traffic Diversion On 3rd Mainland Bridge As Flood Sacks Residents

Residents of Agege area of Lagos State have called on the state and local governments to come to their aid as they battle flooding from the heavy downpour of rain witnessed in the state on Saturday.

This is as the Lagos State government has announced the postponement of the planned palliative works on the failed sections of the Third Mainland Bridge, which was scheduled for two Sundays, September 17 and 24, 2023, respectively.

LEADERSHIP observed that many people have been adversely affected by the rainfall that has lasted for over eight hours as of the time of filing this report Saturday afternoon.

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As the rain has continued unabated, there was great fear that many people may face the risk of losing their lives and property.

Commenting on the flooding, the Director General of National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Alhaji Mustapha Habib Ahmed, said he has ordered the immediate release of relief materials to the people who have taken refuge in four churches in the affected areas.

Ahmed appealed to the residents of Lagos State to take utmost precautions as the rainfall, which started as early as 0200 hours may likely continue till 13 hours before it stops.

“NEMA and other emergency agencies are on assessment exercise at some flashpoints, discussing with affected populations and proffering immediate solutions in handling the situations.

“Some vulnerable groups have been moved to temporary safety facilities while the adults are salvaging their water-impacted properties.

“NEMA is assisting the owner of a building that the fence collapsed and the need to salvage the building by reconstruction of the fence to solidify the base to prevent it from collapsing on the next bungalow building,” he stated.

However, there was urgent need for provision of basic needs like children wears, women wears, mattresses, antiseptic and other immediate assistance to the impacted population at Orile Agege Local Government Area of the State in order to provide immediate succour to about 200 people this Saturday afternoon.

Meanwhile, due to the heavy downpour experienced in all parts of the Lagos metropolis on Saturday, the Lagos State government has announced the postponement of the planned two-Sunday palliative works on the failed sections of the 3rd Mainland Bridge, which was scheduled for September 17 and 24, 2023 respectively.

A release on the postponement signed by the Lagos State Commissioner for Transportation, Mr. Oluwaseun Osiyemi, explained that the rain has affected the preliminaries of the planned palliative works on the asphalt pavement of the bridge being undertaken by the Lagos State Public Works Corporation.

Assuring that a later date, which will be subject to weather conditions, will be duly communicated for the palliative works, the Transport Commissioner urged motorists to continue to access the bridge with observance of safety measures.