Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the governor of Lagos, says repair works on the Independence Bridge will continue.
The governor also apologised to residents for the hours-long
gridlock experienced due to the rehabilitation of the bridge.
Commuters and motorists spent hours in traffic on April 2
due to the closure of the bridge in the Victoria Island area.
Following public outcry, David Umahi, minister of works,
ordered the immediate reopening of the bridge.
Speaking on Thursday during the inspection of the bridge,
Sanwo-Olu said the state takes full responsibility for the gridlock.
The governor noted that the repair is for the good of the
city, as the bridge — which is one of the oldest in the country — had begun to
fail.
He urged residents to support the state government as there
is never a good time to carry out road repairs.
“First, I think what is appropriate is to tender apology to
all our citizens and to all Lagosians for a very difficult heinous traffic that
we experienced in the last 24 hours within the city and the Island of Lagos,”
Sanwo-Olu said.
“There is never a best time to solve a difficult problem like
this. Any time you do it, there would be discomfort. Let’s bite the bullet and
come out of this better.
“I think the apology is important so that we can take full
responsibility as government both at the national and subnational level, for
taking our citizens through an unfortunate incident.
“It was all for a good cause, it is all to avert future
disaster waiting to happen. You know how life is — there is never a best time
for you to do all you want to do, there will always be challenges even if you
think it is the best time.
“This contract has been signed over three years ago; our
duty is to preserve the integrity of the Independence Bridge — which is like
one of the oldest bridges in the country.”
The governor added that traffic will be managed and diverted
during the rehabilitation.
“If you don’t have business to do in Victoria Island in the
next two to three weeks, conduct your business via social media, telephone,
zoom meetings, online meetings, let’s plan ahead,” he said.
“If you don’t need to come and visit somebody here, you
don’t have to come.
“You are going to see a lot of LASTMA officers on the road,
we are calling them from other parts of the city to come here.”
The governor also appealed to residents not to drive against
traffic or drive recklessly during the rehabilitation period.
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