Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State on Monday reopened the newly rehabilitated Odo Iya Alaro Bridge.

According to the governor, the reopening will mark a significant step towards easing persistent gridlocks in the area.

Sanwo-Olu, represented by his Deputy, Dr Obafemi Hamzat, said that the rehabilitation aligned with the administration’s commitment to ensuring adequate traffic management and ease of transportation.

The governor urged citizens to take responsibility for protecting the infrastructure.

Sanwo-Olu warned against removing newly installed manhole covers, threatening prosecution for those caught doing so.

He explained that the new manholes were made of fibre, making them useless for theft.

“The newly replaced manholes are now made of fibres and not metals, so this makes it useless to whoever takes it.

“Let the manholes be, they are there to protect human beings so that they do not fall off the bridge, they are there for safety.

“Anyone caught removing the manholes from the bridge will be prosecuted,” he said.

The governor commended stakeholders involved in the project’s early completion, which took 54 days instead of the planned 90 days.

He thanked the Office of Works, Infrastructure, Ministry of Transportation, and LASTMA for their efforts.

In his remarks, Mr Olufemi Daramola, Special Adviser on Infrastructure, explained that the rehabilitation included installing new expansion joints and remedial works, making the bridge motorable and ready for use.