The Lagos State Government, on Monday, reopened the Ojota and Maryland sections of the Odo Iya Alaro Bridge to traffic.
This comes 54 days after the bridge was closed for repairs.
Speaking during the reopening, the Deputy Governor, Obafemi Hamzat, warned vandals and scavengers against tampering with the infrastructure.
He decried incessant theft of manhole covers and other bridge gadgetry, adding that the government used fibre manhole covers instead of steel as part of the measures to stop the menace.
He noted that anyone caught henceforth stealing the covers would be prosecuted.
Hamzat said: “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.
“But it is important to say that these new manhole covers are fibres and not metals. So if you steal it, it is useless. But the manhole covers protect people. It is to protect human beings so they don’t fall off bridges. This is a safety issue. It is no longer steel. It is fibre and so difficult to remove. And even if you remove it, it’s useless to you, and if you are caught, you will be prosecuted.
“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.”
Meanwhile, the Commissioner for Transport, Oluwaseun Osiyemi, has thanked Lagosians for their patience and cooperation during the period of rehabilitation.
He stated that the reopening of the bridge marked a significant milestone in enhancing the city’s infrastructure, promising improved traffic flow and connectivity between the Mainland and Island.
“This success is a testament to the collaborative efforts of the Lagos State Government, including the pivotal roles played by the Ministry of Works and the Ministry of Transportation. The Ministry of Works provided invaluable oversight and technical support throughout the project, ensuring high standards and quality in the rehabilitation work. The Ministry of Transportation coordinated the overall traffic management and logistics, facilitating a smooth and efficient execution.
“We extend our deepest gratitude to Lagosians for your patience and cooperation during this period. Your support and adaptability in navigating alternative routes were crucial to the project’s success,” Osiyemi said in a statement.
“We also commend the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) for their outstanding role in managing traffic during the project.
“Thank you once again for your unwavering support and commitment to the development of our city,” he added.
Lagos Reopens Odo Iya Alaro Bridge, Reads Riot Act To Vandals, Scavengers is first published on The Whistler Newspaper