- Safiu Kehinde
Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, has claimed to be unaware of the Independence Bridge closure in Lagos.
NPO Reported that the bridge, which was shut for repair work, left thousands of commuters stranded in heavy gridlock across Lagos Island, Ikoyi, and Victoria Island on Wednesday evening.
Coupled with the heavy downpour, several commuters spent as many as eight hours on the road with some abandoning their vehicles and opted to trek.
Addressing newsmen following his visit to the bridge on Thursday, Dave Umahi, admitted to be aware of the structure problems and plan to renovate the bridge.
The Minister, however, said he was unaware of the bridge closure.
He alleged that the bridge was closed by the contractor.
“I’ve looked at the structural problem. I’m aware of it. We designed the rehabilitation. But unfortunately when the bridge was to be closed, I was not informed. The controller did that on her own.” Umahi said.
Describing the closure of the bridge as unfortunate, the Minister maintained that it is inappropriate to close bridges and roads across the country without the Ministry knowledge.
He warned contractors and engineers of consequences and disciplinary actions if such decision is again taken behind the Ministry.
Umahi apologized to President Bola Tinubu and Lagos residence for the inconveniences.
“It is very unfortunate because for a bridge to be closed, especially in Lagos as you know its been the tradition, I should be informed as the Minister. We should also have studied the implication of it- even though it is an emergency situation.
“We would have deployed emergency evaluation of the implication of closing the bridge. Was there any other thing we would have done? And why we take time to do the proper work.
“I use this opportunity to warn all controllers and engineers all over the country. Never you close the road or close any bridge without running it through the Permanent Secretary to seek the permission of the Honourable Minister of Works.
“There will be consequences and disciplinary actions for this. Let me apologize to Lagosians and to Mr. President for trouble this closure caused.” The Minister said.