Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Governor of Lagos state has said repair works on Independence Bridge will continue for many weeks.
Gatekeepers News reports that the Governor on Thursday during the inspection of the bridge apologised to residents for the prolonged gridlock caused by the ongoing rehabilitation.
In response to widespread public discontent due to heavy traffic on Tuesday, Works Minister David Umahi ordered the immediate reopening of the bridge.
Speaking during the inspection, Sanwo-Olu said the state takes full responsibility for the gridlock.
The Governor noted that the repair was 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.
Sanwo-Olu said, “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.”
“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 further noted that traffic will be managed and diverted during the rehabilitation.
He added, “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.”
“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.”
Sanwo-Olu urged residents not to drive against traffic or drive recklessly during the rehabilitation period.
