Dave Umahi
A modern surveillance room has been set up by the federal government to keep an eye on the Third Mainland Bridge and its environs.
The Minister of Works, Senator Dave Umahi, disclosed this on Thursday in Lagos, while leading members of the National Assembly on an on-site assessment of ongoing infrastructure projects in the southwest region, including the Third Mainland Bridge.
Umahi stated that the control room would be staffed by security personnel from the Army, Navy, Police, and local security forces.
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He added that a dedicated boat and vehicles had been assigned to the facility, allowing for a swift response time of five minutes to any incident.
The minister also revealed that similar high-tech security measures would be implemented on other major highways, including the Lagos-Calabar, Sokoto-Badagry, Trans-Sahara, Abuja-Akwanga-Jos-Bauchi-Gombe, Keffi-Makurdi, Lagos-Ibadan, and Abuja-Kano roads.
Additionally, he announced plans to install solar lighting on all major roads to improve visibility at night and boost economic activity.
Umahi also reported that the first section of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway was nearing completion and would be concessioned for operation and maintenance.
Deputy Chief Whip of the Senate, Senator Peter Nwebonyi, commended the minister’s initiative to establish a CCTV control room to monitor the Third Mainland Bridge and its environs.
According to him, this initiative demonstrates Nigeria’s commitment to progress and development.
He said the CCTV system would enhance the safety of motorists and pedestrians by deterring criminal activities and preventing vandalism of critical infrastructure such as handrails and street lights.
Nwebonyi also called on all road users to adhere to traffic laws and regulations to contribute to the overall safety and well-being of the nation.
The Senate Minority Whip, Senator Osita Ngwu, commended the government’s infrastructure efforts, specifically highlighting the recent flag-off of the coastal road section in Ondo.
He praised the government’s focus on not only building infrastructure but also ensuring its safety and maintenance.
Ngwu commended Umahi for his experience and commitment to infrastructure development, emphasizing the Senate’s support for the minister’s initiatives and provision of necessary legislative backing.
He acknowledged President Bola Tinubu’s support for the minister’s initiatives.
Senator Mpigi Barinada, representing Rivers South East Senatorial District, also commended the government’s infrastructure efforts, calling for equity.
He stressed the importance of transparency and accountability in infrastructure projects, noting that the CCTV control room was a significant step towards this.
Barinada urged for the replication of these innovative approaches in the southeast and south-south regions of the country to ensure equitable development.
He highlighted the strong collaboration between the Senate and the Ministry of Works to ensure effective oversight and budgetary allocation.
He emphasized the importance of completing projects to the highest standards and called for strict monitoring and evaluation.
The Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Works, Akin Alabi, praised the Minister of Works and promised parliamentary oversight.
He emphasized the role of the National Assembly in overseeing government spending, particularly regarding the 2024 budget.
Alabi commended the minister for his efforts in addressing infrastructure challenges and improving project execution.
He acknowledged the minister’s assertive approach in dealing with contractors, ensuring that government interests are prioritized.
He assured that, while supporting the minister’s initiatives, the House Committee on Works would maintain its oversight role to ensure accountability and transparency.
Earlier, the Ministry of Works officially flagged off the commencement of work on the Ondo section of the Lagos-Calabar coastal highway.
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