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FG Should Have Repaired Third Mainland Bridge During Lockdown – Bode George

Published

4 years ago

July 30, 2020

Chief Olabode George, a former Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has faulted the ongoing repair work on the Third Mainland Bridge saying the six months closure will cripple the economy of Lagos state.

Speaking in an interview with Daily Independent, George said he completely disagrees with the methodology of the maintenance as it has subjected residents of Lagos to hardship and exposure to criminals..

The Atona Oodua of Yorubaland who said the maintenance should have been carried out during the period of lockdown said both public and private business will be negatively affected by the closure.

“On the repair of the Third Mainland Bridge, while one may commend them for being alert on the state of the bridge, I am completely disagreeable with the methodology of the maintenance.

“It will cripple the economy of Lagos. Already, the maintenance at the Apapa Port is bringing so much hell to the economy of Lagos.
“Whether government or private business economy, everything is being shattered. People are groaning in pains. Then coupled with the COVID-19 pandemic effect on the economy.

“I don’t see any sense by saying they will open one side of the Bridge. Those going in the morning, they will use the bridge. Those coming back in the afternoon will use the other side. Those coming from Lagos will use alternative routes.

“Third Mainland is not a narrow bridge. It is about three or four lanes on each sides. Once you are working on one side, you lock it down completely and allow traffic to and fro. One side of the bridge will become a dual carriageway. Those going and coming out of Lagos will use that side”.

“The anarchy this maintenance has created with armed robbers attacking people stuck in traffic is just madness. I’m so pained because the Minister of Works is a Lagosian and the Lagos state government also live here. Why are you inflicting so much pains on the people?

“First of all, if you knew you wanted to repair, you should have done that during the lockdown. And you are telling us that we will be like this for six months, you are just punishing people for nothing”.

“Those who want to go to the Infectious Disease office in Lagos are spending up to six hours in traffic before getting to their destination. Sometimes, they would have closed before you get there. Why can’t government experience these things for themselves? This thing is not going to work.”