Umahi Orders Shutdown of Waterway Between Eko and Carter Bridges Over Submerged Dredger Threat
Lagos, Nigeria — The Federal Minister of Works, David Umahi, has raised an alarm over a submerged dredger threatening the structural safety of the Eko Bridge, calling on the Lagos State Government and relevant marine authorities to immediately shut down the waterway between Eko and Carter bridges.
The call came during the Minister’s inspection of ongoing maintenance works on key bridges in Lagos, including the Third Mainland Bridge, Carter Bridge, Eko Bridge, Iddo Bridge, and Independence Bridge.
According to Umahi, the capsized dredger has seriously damaged one of the foundation piles of the Eko Bridge, prompting the need for urgent intervention to prevent a looming disaster.
“We must not wait for a tragedy to act. This is a clear and present danger,” Umahi said during the tour.
He further condemned illegal dredging activities taking place around the Third Mainland Bridge, which, he revealed, are in violation of a Federal Executive Council directive issued four months ago banning dredging within a 10-kilometre radius of all national bridges.
To curb such violations and enhance monitoring, Umahi announced that CCTV surveillance systems will be installed across all bridges nationwide to detect and deter illegal activities.
The Minister also expressed serious concern over the increasing use of the Carter Bridge as a parking bay for commercial vehicles, as well as the surge in roadside trading along major bridge access points. He warned that these practices pose a risk to structural stability due to increased static loading and congestion.
Despite these pressing issues, Umahi commended the progress of ongoing repair projects in Lagos. He revealed that Third Mainland Bridge repairs are 50% complete, while Carter Bridge rehabilitation has reached 70% completion.
In continuation of his tour, the Minister inspected Channel 15 of Section One of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, where ocean tides are threatening the stability of the road project. He noted that efforts are underway to implement shoreline protection and embankment construction, though this will likely necessitate a cost review of the project scope.
Umahi reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to safe infrastructure and long-term sustainability, urging better cooperation between federal and state agencies in addressing threats to national assets.
Capsized Dredger: Umahi Shuts Down Lagos Waterway Over Safety Concerns