The Federal Government, in partnership with the Lagos State Government, surveyed to determine the state of the allegedly vandalized pile caps on the Third Mainland Bridge.
However, following the examination, both the Federal and State Governments allayed motorists' and residents' concerns about the bridge's stability, saying, "It's safe and everyone can ply the bridge without any fear."
Following a recent viral social media story expressing concern over a vandalized section of the bridge, clarification has become required.
According to a statement issued by the Federal Ministry of Works through the Federal Controller of Works in Lagos, Engr. Olukorede Kesha, no component of the bridge's substructure was vandalized.
Kesha explained, “The alleged vandalized pile caps were chiselled by MS Borini Prono(the contractor handling the bridge repairs) for repairs just before the emergency repairs of Third Mainland Bridge’s contract was terminated on the account of non-performance/slow pace of work by the contractor.
“The pile cap repairs entail the removal/chiseling of Non-firm concrete parts of the pile caps, weak/rusted reinforcements are removed and replaced, antirust applied, and surface dressed with special mortar.
“Some pile caps have been prepared/chiseled and weak reinforcement removed for replacement just before the contract was terminated.
“There is no vandalization of any part of the bridge’s sub-structure, the photograph circulating in the media refers to the prepared/chiseled section of the ongoing rehabilitation works on the bridge.
“Hence, the bridge is SAFE for public use.”
