The Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, has outlined the reasons behind the decision to install closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras on the Third Mainland Bridge in Lagos State, stating that the move is aimed at preventing suicide attempts and curbing illegal activities such as sand excavation beneath the bridge.
Umahi shared these details during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Friday. He explained that security personnel would monitor the CCTV footage, not only to watch for individuals attempting to take their own lives but also to enforce speed regulations and other traffic rules on the iconic bridge.
The Minister emphasized the importance of the CCTV in addressing the issue of illegal sand excavation under the bridge’s deck, a practice that had raised concerns regarding the structural integrity of the bridge. Umahi added that the installation of the cameras would serve as a deterrent, ensuring that any attempts to excavate sand within a 10-kilometre radius would be detected and stopped.
“We have installed CCTVs beneath the deck so that any excavation of sand within the 10-kilometre radius will be immediately detected. Additionally, we’ve set up an examination house beside the bank of the sea on Third Mainland Bridge, which houses personnel from the police, navy, army, and local security forces. They will all monitor the CCTV footage closely,” Umahi explained. “This will allow us to spot anyone attempting suicide on the bridge. Furthermore, with these cameras, illegal sand excavation under the deck will be completely stopped.”
In addition to discussing the Third Mainland Bridge, Umahi addressed the recent emergency closure of the Independence Bridge in Lagos for repairs. He explained that the closure was necessary due to a structural failure of the bridge’s approach slab, which had caved in as a result of a design flaw. According to the Minister, the original construction of the approach slab was done as a cantilever, an approach that proved structurally inappropriate.
Umahi elaborated that the failure occurred when the sand fill beneath the slab began to leak, which compromised the integrity of the entire structure and posed a significant risk to commuters. He assured the public that necessary repairs were underway to ensure the safety of the bridge and its users.
