Following a severe traffic congestion in Lagos on Wednesday, the Lagos State governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Thursday, visited Independence Bridge in Bonny Camp, which is currently undergoing repair works, apologising to Lagos residents over the development.
He said the decision to fix the Independence Bridge was not made overnight as it has been in the works for over three years, carefully planned to avert a potential disaster.
Sanwo-Olu noted that the structural integrity of the bridge had deteriorated, and delaying the current intervention any further would have put lives at risk. He added that while the repair was necessary for the safety of all, he acknowledged the burden it has placed on commuters.
The governor assured the State government was working closely with all relevant agencies to improve traffic management, and find immediate solutions to ease the congestion on the corridor.
“This morning, I arrived at the Independence Bridge, Bonny Camp, to personally assess the ongoing repair work being carried out by the Federal Ministry of Works.
“I sincerely apologise to all Lagosians for the severe traffic congestion experienced yesterday. I understand the frustration, delays, and disruption this has caused in your daily lives. As someone who also moves through this city, I feel your pain, and we do not take your patience and resilience for granted.
“The decision to fix the Independence Bridge was not made overnight. This repair has been in the works for over three years, carefully planned to avert a potential disaster. The structural integrity of the bridge had deteriorated, and delaying this intervention any further would have put lives at risk.
“While this repair is necessary for the safety of all, I acknowledge the burden it has placed on commuters. We are working closely with all relevant agencies to improve traffic management, and find immediate solutions to ease the congestion.
“I assure you that we are not just watching from the sidelines; we have deployed additional traffic monitoring officials and security personnel to ensure traffic flows freely.
“I also want to urge businesses and organisations across Lagos to explore flexible work arrangements, including remote work and hybrid models. A temporary shift in work culture can go a long way in reducing traffic pressure and supporting our collective wellbeing.
“Let us embrace innovative solutions that keep our city moving while we carry out critical infrastructure repairs. Together, we can build a more resilient, responsive, and liveable Lagos.
“Lagosians, I ask for your continued patience and cooperation. Your safety remains our priority, and we are committed to ensuring that our city remains not only a hub of progress but also a place where infrastructure serves the people effectively, Sanwo-Olu stated.
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