Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has insisted that the Independence Bridge will remain closed for repairs, despite the severe gridlock caused by the closure.
In a statement made during an on-site inspection of the bridge on Thursday, the governor emphasized that safety concerns necessitate the continuation of the repairs, and reopening the bridge prematurely could lead to disastrous consequences.
Sanwo-Olu attributed the traffic chaos experienced on Wednesday to poor communication by relevant authorities.
He admitted that the public had not been properly informed about the ongoing closure, which contributed significantly to the frustration and gridlock faced by commuters.
“Poor communication caused the gridlock. I take full responsibility. People were not adequately informed. Communication is key; it helps people plan alternative routes and make better decisions,” Sanwo-Olu said.
He assured residents that efforts are being made to address the communication gaps and improve the flow of information in the future.
The governor advised Lagosians to consider adjusting their commuting habits while the repairs are ongoing.
“If you don’t have urgent business on Victoria Island in the next two to three weeks, consider working from home, using telephone or Zoom meetings, and planning ahead,” he urged.
He also revealed that more officers from the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) would be deployed to manage traffic and work late into the night to alleviate congestion during peak hours.
Sanwo-Olu also responded to the recent directive from the Minister of Works, David Umahi, who had asked for the reopening of the bridge.
The governor disagreed with the directive, stressing the importance of completing the repairs for the safety of the public.
“With all due respect to the Minister, Senator Umahi, we are the ones on the ground. This bridge has had structural issues for over three years. If we attempt to reopen it now, without completing the repairs, it could collapse, leading to a major disaster,” Sanwo-Olu explained.
He further pointed out that extensive excavation work had already been carried out on the bridge, making it impossible to safely reopen the bridge without completing the repairs.
“A bridge is not a place where you can just pour sand and expect vehicles to pass over it. If it caves in and cars plunge into the water, the same government will be blamed,” he added.
Sanwo-Olu reassured Lagosians that despite the inconvenience caused by the closure, the government was committed to ensuring the long-term safety and integrity of the bridge.
He urged the public to remain patient, stressing that the ongoing work is crucial to preventing a potentially catastrophic incident.
“There is never a perfect time to fix a problem like this. Any time we do it, there will be discomfort. But let’s work together to get through it and come out stronger,” the governor stated.
