Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola, has issued final notice to the mechanics operating under the Berger/Kara Bridge, Lagos-Ibadan Expressway to leave.
The minister, who was on an inspection visit to the site of ongoing road repairs in the area said it was disappointing that the technicians defied earlier ultimatum given to them to vacate the location.
Fashola said the federal government would be left with no other choice than to enforce the law if they fail to heed his final warning.
He told the mechanics in a meeting that according to world best practices, no mechanic operations take place under the bridge, rather it is in a workshop or yard. He explained that the then government of Lagos, Ogun and Oyo States gave the land as a right of way of 47.5m, both to the left and right to the Federal government during the construction of the bridge.
Fashola said the mechanics had till November 30, 2021, to vacate the site. He said they were entitled to only seven days, but he was extending it on compassionate grounds and to enable them to cater to the ember months plan for travellers.
Fashola stated that the ongoing rehabilitation of the highway would soon extend under the bridge, in addition to the coming ember months repairs by the Ministry of Works.
He stated that their activities like burning, spilling, cooking and so on, cause a lot of damage to roads and bridges, which in turn is costing the government a great fortune.
The representative of the mechanics appealed that the Federal government assist in providing an alternate location for the workers who are over three hundred, in order for them to be able to provide for their families.
Responding to appeals for alternative space, Mr Fashola advised the association to officially engage the Ogun State government to make their request, promising to help them fast-track the process.
