Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has attributed the delay in opening the Opebi-Odo Iya Alaro Bridge to the installation of a 25-metre steel monument designed to reflect the area’s cultural heritage.
Sanwo-Olu spoke during an unscheduled visit to the bridge to inspect the installation progress handled by construction firm Julius Berger.
The governor explained that the monument was not part of the original bridge design and was introduced toward the final stage of construction delaying the opening that was originally projected for the end of September.
He said the monument was conceived to preserve the area’s history as a cane market with four steel structures representing the hands involved in cane weaving.
According to him the installation involves about 300 tonnes of steel and stands approximately 25 metres high.
Sanwo-Olu disclosed that the installation was 80 per cent complete with three of the four steel components already assembled and installed. He said work on the final component would begin before the completion of other proposed features.
He appealed to residents to be patient assuring them that the government would not compromise safety in delivering the project.
The governor acknowledged that the bridge missed its earlier opening target adding that the extra time was necessary to ensure the monument was safely installed before opening the facility to traffic.
He commended officials from the Ministry of Works and Infrastructure as well as construction workers for their efforts and urged them to accelerate work on the outstanding components.
Sanwo-Olu said the bridge would ease motorists’ movement and improve connectivity along the corridor.
He added that the monument could transform the location into a destination for recreation tourism and cultural appreciation.
The governor assured residents that the bridge would be opened to traffic before Christmas.