Lagos gridlock: We take full responsibility -Sanwo-Olu

Lagos State governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, said the government takes full responsibility for the gridlock caused  by the repair works on the Independence Bridge in the state. The governor also apologised to residents for the long hours of gridlock experienced due to the rehabilitation of the bridge. However, Sanwo-Olu said repair works will continue because of […]

Lagos State governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, said the government takes full responsibility for the gridlock caused  by the repair works on the Independence Bridge in the state.

The governor also apologised to residents for the long hours of gridlock experienced due to the rehabilitation of the bridge.

However, Sanwo-Olu said repair works will continue because of the necessity.

Daily Trust reports that motorists and commuters spent hours in traffic logjam on Wednesday following the closure of the bridge in the Victoria Island area.

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The Federal Controller of Works, Lagos, Mrs Olukorede Kesha, had announced closure of the Independence Bridge (Marina bound) effective from April 1 for essential maintenance and rehabilitation works.

The gridlock also disrupted informal public transport, causing fares to surge from N800 to N2,000 for CMS to Lekki Phase 1.

Meanwhile, following outcry from residents,  the Minister of Works, David Umahi, ordered the immediate reopening of the bridge.

Sanwo-Olu on Thursday inspected the bridge, saying the state takes full responsibility for the gridlock.

According to him, the repair is 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.

He said the repairs were to avert future disaster, adding that “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,” he said.

He said, “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.