The Federal Government through the Ministry of Works has said it making up plans to import equipment worth one point two million Euros that would be used in maintaining the aspect of the bridge.
Minister of Works, Engr David Umahi made this known while briefing the Press during a working visit to Third Mainland, Carter, Falomo, Iddo, Eko,Marina and Iganmu Bridges in Lagos State recently.
Umahi who inspected the bridges alongside some Directors in the Ministry with contractors on Saturday 28th, pointed out the problems on the Third Mainland Bridge which was built in two sections Sixty years ago by an Italian Company and Julius Berger.
He said the reason for deflection on the bridge was lack of maintenance from the national level, other than the last administration where intervation came from and the State Government especially when President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was in office.
The Minister said due to the technicality of the job on Eko Bridge where the Bridge deck would be open, equipment worth one point two million Euros would be imported into the Country that would be used in maintaining the aspect of the bridge.
He commended the last administration’s work on the bridge, the bridge suffered two problems. “Eko Bridge suffered two problems such as lack of maintenance, and the bearings eating up, lots of the pair gaps have serious issues but the last administration did a very good and wonderful work.”
“Work is on going, it will finish in 2024 because we are pushing for increase in the number of workers and equipment to site, they are doing a beautiful work”, the Minister added.
Umahi said “Without Eko Bridge, we will not have any truck coming into Island so that is our saviour.”
The Minister thanked the President and the National Assembly for looking at Infrastructure strategically in Lagos State.
According to him, “the financial capital of the country which has lots of national infrastructure that tremendously add to the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) therefore it cannot be neglected”.
The Minister congratulated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his Vice Kashim Shettima on their victory at the supreme court and urged the leaders in the country to put the nation ahead of all interest and the region.