.The failing Liverpool Bridge at Tin Can port
Pedestrians and port users operating along the Tin Can Island and Apapa ports have expressed anxiety over the state of the Liverpool Bridge leading to and out of Tin Can port, they said that the bridge now faces threat of imminent collapse.
Checks by Shipping Position Daily revealed that the bridge was last rehabilitated over a decade ago, even as pedestrians and port users have called on government to expedite action to avert the impending danger.
Further investigation by Shipping Position Daily revealed that not less than 3,000 trucks pass through the Liverpool bridge to connect either to the Tin Can Island Port or the Apapa Port daily, even as others have turned the bridge to parking lot for their trucks
Speaking to Shipping Position Daily, a market woman who trades directly under the bridge, said the vibration of the bridge whenever a trailer or truck passes shows that the situation portend grave danger, if actions are not taken to ensure that the bridge is rehabilitated without any delay.
Other traders under the bridge also raised alarm that there is a great risk over their life as some part of the bridge has collapsed already.
In a chat with our correspondent, the President of Save Nigeria Freight Forwarders Importers and Exporters Coalition (SNFFIEC), Chief Osita Chukwu urged the federal government to move swiftly to repair the bridge while calling for ban of heavy duty trucks on the bridge until after repair work has been carried out.
According to him, “the bridge needs rehabilitation and there is need to stop heavy duty trucks for now, until it is repaired; this bridge has been there for over 30 years and of course, something must have been done previously, but it was not so effective. What needs to be done on this is to rehabilitate it to avert dangers.
“If this bridge falls, the casualty will be much and it will now deprive the movement of cargo from Tin Can Island even down to Apapa, we will now have only one road.
“So what Government should do is to expedite action in making sure the bridge is rehabilitated. But it is like the main bow that is carrying the bridge is weaker, that is what they call attachment.”
He said the attachment of the bridge now is weaker because of how the bridge is vibrating whenever trailers are passing. “As they are repairing the one of Ijora Bridge, they should think of Liverpool Bridge because it is in bad shape and needs urgent attention.
The economic implication if the bridge falls is that many casualties will be recorded, because people are buying and selling under the bridge. Some people are selling seafood and other items. Under the bridge is where they used as a minor anchorage for passenger boats. The boats are all anchored and take off from under the bridge” he said.
Speaking also, the Public Relations Officer of COMTUA; Alhaji Inua Mohammed also noted that there is need for rehabilitation work to be carried out on the bridge urgently, stating that the vibration experienced on the bridge could be as a result of bridge spring, which he said makes the bridge to vibrate whenever a truck passes on the bridge.
When contacted, the Federal Controller of Works, Lagos state; Engr. Popoola Olukayode promised to go and inspect the bridge and get back to our correspondent after inspection.
