FG explains why it modified the re-opening date of Eko, Apongbon bridges to July 9

• The FG defined that each the Eko and Apongbon bridges will likely be re-opened to visitors forward of schedule to alleviate the stress commuters have undergone for nearly one yr because the bridges had been closed after the Apongbon part was gutted by fireplace and later Ijora Olopa part.
• The FG mentioned there will likely be intermittent brief closures of the bridges after their re-opening, to proceed repairs.
• It additionally warned that every one unlawful squatters beneath all Lagos Bridges inflicting injury to the infrastructure will likely be evicted.

The Federal Authorities has defined that it’ll re-open each the Eko and Apongbon Bridges forward of the sooner scheduled date to be able to relieve the stress commuters have undergone for nearly one yr because the bridges had been closed after the Apongbon part was gutted by fireplace and later Ijora Olopa part.

This was made recognized by the Director, of Freeway, Bridges and Designs within the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing, Mr Omotayo Awosanya, whereas main prime engineers from the Federal Authorities group and Lagos State on an inspection tour of the bridges.

Awosanya revealed that each bridges will now be re-opened by midnight of July 9, 2023, as an alternative of the sooner deliberate July 15, in order additionally to scale back the stress presently on different bridges linking the island and Victoria Island and alleviate the struggling of highway customers.

The group earlier had a closed-door assembly with the undertaking contractors, Buildwell Vegetation and Gear Industries Ltd, at their development yard in Costain.

Intermittent brief closures of the bridges

• Awosanya mentioned, “At precisely midnight on Sunday, July 9, the bridges will  be re-opened in order that commuters can have easy passage on Monday morning of July 10.”

He mentioned that when the bridges are re-opened, there will likely be intermittent brief closures to proceed repairs, including that the present contract for the rehabilitation of the whole Eko Bridge is now at 50% completion stage.

The director famous {that a} complete of 150 bearings had been changed with a further 150 to be put in in subsequent rehabilitation works.

He mentioned full-scale rehabilitation would proceed on different sections of the Eko Bridge, because the contract is supposed to final 3 years.

Stress on contractor

• Awpsanya mentioned, “We’ve come right here to induce the contractor to scale back 5 days out of the fifteenth of July, we are actually going to open the bridge on the ninth at 12.00 midnight.
• “And a minute after 12.00 a.m on the ninth, the bridge will likely be opened for visitors on the tenth.
• “That is on account of shut collaboration between Federal Authorities and Lagos State Authorities as a result of we’re aware of the stress the closure of this bridge has prompted to Lagosians and we now have put stress on the contractor to open the bridge on Monday for visitors.
• “It will cut back the stress presently on different bridges connecting the island and Victoria Island.’’

Unlawful squatters on all Lagos Bridges to be evicted

The Federal Ministry of Works Director additionally warned that the Federal Authorities would evacuate all unlawful squatters beneath all Lagos Bridges inflicting injury to the infrastructure.

He famous that the collaboration of the Federal and state governments would assist to realize the eviction of the squatters beneath the Apongbon, and Ijora bridges, in addition to different bridges.

The Everlasting Secretary Workplace of Infrastructure in Lagos State, Mr Olufemi Daramola, expressed satisfaction with the extent of labor, assuring residents of a greater motoring expertise on the axis after the re-opening of each bridges.

Daramola mentioned with what’s on floor, “ninth of July may be very life like”, assuring that, preparations had been at a excessive degree in direction of the safety of all bridges.

On her half, the Federal Controller of Works in Lagos State, Mrs Olukorede Kesha appreciated the Lagos public for his or her endurance whereas the repairs of each bridges lasted.

Kesha appealed to residents to be vigilant and report illegalities and vandalism, including that, they need to take possession of all infrastructure to forestall wastage of scarce assets that go into repairs.

What it is best to know

• Federal Authorities had a couple of week in the past set July 15 as the brand new deadline for the completion of restore works and reopening of each Eko and Apongbon bridges in Lagos State to visitors.
• The Federal Controller of Works in Lagos State, Mrs. Olukorede Kesha, famous that the federal government is doing all the pieces doable to make sure that the contractor completes the repairs on the two bridges on or earlier than that date.
• Recall that the Apongbon Bridge was razed by fireplace on March 23, 2022, because of the actions of the merchants, main the state authorities to quickly shut Eko Bridge and concern an eviction discover to merchants with retailers beneath the burnt bridge.
• The Lagos State Authorities had in April 2022, demolished retailers and different constructions constructed beneath the burnt Apongbon Bridge, in Lagos Island after the expiration of the ultimatum they issued to these merchants to vacate the world.
• Efforts to finish the restore works on the Apongbon Bridge by December 2022 had been stalled by one other fireplace that affected the Ijora Olopa part of the Eko Bridge on November 4.
• The Federal Authorities had in February 2023, revealed that the rehabilitation works and substitute of all of the broken elements of the Apongbon Bridge razed by fireplace could be accomplished in Could 2023 and the freeway reopened to visitors.