The Federal Government on Friday began demolition of illegal fences under some bridges in Lagos.
The demolition exercise began with a fence of about 250 metres built under the descent of the Apongbon Bridge on the CMS-bound carriageway on Lagos Island.
The fence which was still under construction had been raised by seven to eight coaches on various sections.
Some officials wearing the tags: “Toll Royalty Car Park Technologies” were, however, seen challenging the process but were told by the engineer supervising the team to direct their complaints to the federal ministry of works.
Musiliat Aloba, a senior engineer in the ministry who led a team of engineers and security operatives on the exercise, said that she was acting on instruction to ensure that under the bridges were visible.
“I am not directed to speak to anyone. Please come to the federal ministry of works,’’ she said.
The demolition team went further to demolish fences stretching about 300 metres under the Obalende/Apongbon Flyover Bridge on the CMS-bound carriageway.
However, there was misunderstanding with the commencement of demolition of fences under the ramp of the CMS Bridge which was nearing completion on some sections.
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Some workmen on site who tried to resist the demolition argued that it was a legal project which had approval.
Aloba explained her assignment insisting that “nothing must block under the bridges’’.
“When you conceal the bridge, nobody can see what happens under. The Federal Government has lost so much money due to burnt bridges,’’ she explained.
Federal Controller of Works in Lagos,Adedamola Kuti, who spoke on the exercise, said that the removal of illegal structures under bridges was a continuous exercise.
Kuti explained that the ministry began the demolition in 2018, saying that it was aimed as safeguarding the bridges from all forms of abuses causing damage to them.
He debunked claims by some people who said they had approval to build structures under any bridge in Lagos state.
“Under the bridges belong to the Federal Government and the federal ministry of works ordered the demolition of illegal structures under the bridges in Lagos,’’ said Kuti.
