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The Minister of Work, David Umahi, has ordered an immediate transfer and demolition of illegal structures under the Iddo Bridge in Lagos, citing urgent security issues and the risk of potential collapse.
Speaking during site inspection on Sunday, Umahi, ordered evacuation and demolition immediately all structures. He was accompanied by structural engineers and officials from Julius Berger Nigeria PLC.
Umahi expressed great concern over the deteriorating bridge condition, connecting damage to unauthorized human activities in the area.
“We are here with bridge experts to examine the Iddo bridge, which is burned because of work and activities that violate the law underneath,” he said.
“People have changed the underpass into shops, warehouses, and even residential areas. These activities have caused significant damage as far as Julius Berger has suggested that the bridge must be completely destroyed and reconstructed.”
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He added that similar illegal activities also had an impact on other closest bridges, including the cowry bridge and the independence bridge.
The federal government’s efforts to be involved with those who occupy the underpass have met with resistance, said Umahi.
“They refused to empty the place. They wrote to us, claiming this problem was in court. It seems that what they sell is more important to them than Lagosians’s life, but we cannot let it,” he said.
Umahi instructed the federal controller of work in the state of Lagos, Ny. Olukorede Kesha, to ensure that all illegal structures are deleted before the end of Monday.
“This is about saving lives. We must act to prevent the collapse of the bridge. The beam has been hit by a vehicle, and some have been burned. The structural integrity of the bridge is compromised,” he explained.
He also directed the distribution of police officers to secure valuables found during demolition.
“If we find a pin, it must be recorded and returned, but I can tell you that what I have seen so far most of the iron doors and partitions. There is no significant item in it,” Umahi said.
The minister stressed that the demolition did not punish but aimed to maintain public safety.
“We are not trying to punish anyone. We try to save lives. Every illegal structure under this bridge must leave before Monday ends,” he stressed.
The rehabilitation contract for the Iddo Bridge was given in 2024 to Julius Berger PLC. Earlier in April, Umahi had marked a low-low head space permit-several parts as low as 3.0 meters, far below the requirement of 5.6 meters-as a major structural attention.
He also expressed worry about the sale of chemicals by shops near the bridge, a warning of severe safety risks.
He remembers that chemicals that have been burned near the bridge, causing great damage to the structure.
Umahi concluded that by highlighting that the structural integrity of the bridge has been significantly damaged, requires immediate intervention to ensure public safety.
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