Abiola Peters
Following expiration of seven days Eviction Order issued three weeks ago to illegal occupants of Iddo Bridge, the Federal Ministry of Works on Sunday afternoon commenced demolition of the structures.
The structures were compartments of block walls used as residences, shops and warehouses.
Flagging off the demolition, Minister of Works, Engineer David Umahi, said the action became necessary to save lives from an imminent collapse of the bridge, as already warned by the contractor awarded restoration of the bridge after a fire incident caused by squatters under the bridge.
Mr Umahi also disclosed that trucks with excess height have damaged the bridge deck due to low headroom, while activities from makeshift shops have further compromised the structure.
The Minister stressed that the action was in public interest despite a pending suit by some persons to stall the demolition.
He stated that the contractor had already considered the burnt section of the Iddo bridge for demolition and reconstruction.
The demolition meant to last till Monday evening is taking place under tight security.
The Iddo Bridge rehabilitation, awarded to Julius Berger in 2024, has encountered delays, partly due to structural impairments caused by human activities, which caused the devastating fire in February 2021.