The Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, has asked for the urgent closure of the waterway between Eko Bridge and Carter Bridge in Lagos following serious damage to Eko Bridge caused by dredging activities.
Umahi made this appeal during his inspection of some major bridges in the state.
According to him, a dredger hit a part of the bridge structure, which led to the collapse and sinking of the pier.
“The dredger that hit the pier cap… the pier tumbled and they sunk,” he said.
The minister confirmed that the operator or owner of the dredger had already been arrested. He added that the Federal Government would take strong action because the damage was severe.
“I also saw a very serious dredging along Third Mainland Bridge, even though the Federal Executive Council banned dredging within 10km of all bridges in Nigeria about four months ago,” Umahi stated.
He expressed surprise that such dredging activities were still ongoing despite the ban.
Umahi explained that dredging close to bridges weakens their strength and can cause long-term damage. He also warned the public against parking or loading vehicles on bridges.
He called on Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, to help enforce the waterway closure immediately to prevent further accidents.
“It is important we protect lives and the roads that Nigerians use every day,” Umahi said.
