Lagos State government, yesterday, vowed it would prosecute motorists who damage critical infrastructure and make them bear the full cost of repairs.
It said the measure is in line with its quest to ensure sustainable infrastructure development and judicious use of taxpayers’ money.
The decision followed the partial damage on Alapere pedestrian bridge as a result of collision by an overloaded truck in December.
The bridge was immediately closed as the extent of damage could not be ascertained. This was because the incident happened at a time when most of the construction companies that could have been invited for preliminary investigations had closed for the year. Structural integrity tests could, therefore, not be conducted until the beginning of the year.
The Ministry of Works and Infrastructure (Office of Infrastructure), in a statement by Director of Information, Shina Odunuga, yesterday, said the result of the integrity tests has been submitted as well as a preliminary structural redesign that allows increased headroom to 5.8 metres to prevent recurrence of similar incidents.
According to him, the final design will be concluded shortly, and a nominated contractor will mobilise for commencement of physical construction activities.
He said: “The state government, under the leadership of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, is not unaware of the importance of this bridge, and has therefore taken bold steps to ease crossing by pedestrians. Some of the measures taken include creating access through the median barriers, provision of rumble strips to reduce speed of approaching vehicles, and Zebra crossings.”
Meanwhile, the state has commenced repairs/replacement of worn out expansion joints on some bridges across the state, beginning with Kodesoh bridge in Ikeja.
Odunuga said the state will not stop placing a high premium on the life and property of residents and will strive to ensure the safety and comfort of all remain a priority.
He said: “The general public is also hereby informed that the state government, through the Ministry of Works and Infrastructure (Office of Infrastructure), has commenced the repairs/replacement of worn out expansion joints on some bridges.
“We will not rest on our oars to ensure smooth flow of traffic across the nooks and crannies of the state. We therefore seek the cooperation and understanding of the motoring public towards the realisation of this objective.”
