The Minister of Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, has asked the Lagos State Government to prevent trading activities under bridges across the state.
The Minister stated this during the inspection tour of the recently burnt Eko bridge and press briefing on the rehabilitation and repairs of the Eko Bridge burnt section (Apongbon and Ijora Olopa section), The Independent reports.
Fashola said the bridges were built to ease the movement of vehicles and not to serve as a place to transact businesses.
He also advocated for laws which will make under bridge trading a criminal offense.
He said, “If you don’t pass tough laws, things will not be done. You have our support. Under bridges are not places of cooking or residing place, and it’s not only endangering their lives but also the lives of other people. Illegal ways of living must be put to an end.
“We are appealing to the Lagos State government to ensure that all trading activities under the bridges in the state must, as a matter of urgency, be brought to a stop.
“We seek the cooperation of the Ministry of Transportation, Environment, and Local Government law enforcement agencies to help us preserve our bridges.” he added.
