Abiola Peters
The Minister of Works, David Umahi, has Friday afternoon declared the Independence Bridge in Lagos totally open to traffic after palliative measures was carried out on the infrastructure.
Engineer Umahi, who drove through to attest to the integrity of the bridge however said more permanent works would be done after three weeks.
The Federal Ministry of Works closed the Bridge, Marina bound, on Tuesday first of April to facilitate essential maintenance and rehabilitation works but the Minister ordered immediate re-opening following massive traffic logjam experienced by Lagosians as a result of the closure.
The Minister reiterated that punitive action would be taken for the recent historic traffic congestion in Lagos to serve as deterrent to other Federal Controllers in the country.
Engineer Umahi emphasized that the ministry would put in place a standard procedure for closure of roads and bridges for all controllers to adhere to going forward.