Lagos reopens Maryland/Ojota Bridge
The Ojota/Maryland sections of the Odo Iya Alaro Bridge have been reopened to vehicular movement.
The Lagos state government also declared zero tolerance for infrastructure abuse.
Deputy Governor, Obafemi Hamzat, at the reopening on Monday, September 16, lamented the incessant theft of manhole covers and other bridge apparatuses.
To curb the menace, Hamzat said the government resorted to using fibre to fabricate manhole covers instead of steel.
He added that anyone caught henceforth stealing the covers will be prosecuted.
Hamzat added: “Everybody keeps saying that maintenance of infrastructure is a challenge. But, in Lagos, we are saying it is not. This informed our decision to maintain this infrastructure and put it in good shape. The expansion joints which are necessary accessories for bridges were repaired and are now in good shape, and all the manholes that were stolen have been replaced.
This administration is focused on road and bridge infrastructure to reduce travel time, save important man-hours that would have been otherwise lost to traffic; boost interconnectivity; provide better riding surface; eliminate traffic gridlocks and generally make life more meaningful to commuters.
“And because we place a high premium on the safety of lives, many pedestrian bridges have also been identified for routine maintenance.”