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Structural repairs to proceed without cost review, Works Minister Umahi says
From Chukwuma Umeorah
The federal government has issued a seven-day evacuation order to traders under the Iddo Bridge in Lagos, citing safety risks and structural damage from their activities.
During an inspection on Wednesday, April 30, Minister of Works David Umahi warned that no relocation plans would be provided. “They are destroying the bridge, and you are talking about moving them? If you move them, others will burn another bridge to be moved,” he said.
Umahi noted that the storage and sale of inflammable chemicals by traders have caused fires and structural harm. Similar evacuation orders will apply to other Lagos bridges with trading activities.
The Iddo Bridge rehabilitation, contracted to Julius Berger in 2024 for N5 billion, has been delayed by human-induced damage, including trucks hitting the deck due to a 3.0-metre headroom, below the 5.6-metre standard. “We have big trucks hitting the deck, which is dangerous to structural integrity,” Umahi said.
Despite damage to the deck cover, Umahi confirmed the bridge’s core structural elements remain intact. Milling will occur on weekends (Fridays to Sundays) to minimise traffic disruption, while expansion joint installation will require night-time weekday closures. Julius Berger must submit a revised method statement and closure schedule, with seven days’ public notice.
Umahi rejected any contract cost review, stating, “I’m not going to change the rates because we expected the job to be finished.” To address headroom issues, the ministry will excavate road sections and install speed humps and warning signs.
At Marine Bridge (Ijora Marine-Apapa Link), Controller of Works Olukorede Kesha outlined repairs to replace 50 defective expansion joints and bearings over 2 km. Umahi approved a 21-day full closure for lifting 50-metre spans to replace 450-kg bearings, stressing, “This is not just about the surface; we’re lifting an entire span.” He mandated clear public communication, including diversion plans and contact lines, noting, “This is a civilised society; we respect Lagosians.”
Umahi praised Julius Berger’s expertise and announced similar assessments for the Independence Bridge, where minor defects could allow permanent work without closures.