Nigerian Minister of Works, Engr David Umahi has revealed that the contractor handling the Lagos Carter Bridge was mobilized to the tune of seven Billion Naira (N7b) few days ago, says rehabilation works will commence in the coming days.
Umahi made the revelation during an inspection tour of the Third mainland, Eko and Carter Bridges linking Lagos Mainland with Victoria Island, including the on-going rehabilitation works on the first section of the 3rd Mainland Bridge.
The Minister said that the successful completion of rehabilitation works on phase one of the Third Mainland Bridge is a clear Indication that the Tinubu administration is on course.
Adding that not only to the rehabilitate the 3rd Mainland Bridge but also to carry out comprehensive repairs on Eko and Carter Bridges in Lagos in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Federal Government.
Describing the esthetics of markings and solar lights on the Oworonshoki end of the 3rd mainland Bridge as beautiful, attractive, he said the underwater aspects of project remains the most complicated and critical
The Minister emphasized that underwater structural damage to the three Bridges calls for concern but however optimistic that the Tinubu administration is equal to the task and will confront the challenges head-on.
Speaking during the interview session with journalists, Chairman Senate Committee on Works, Senator Barinada Mpigi and Chairman House Committee on Works, Hon. Akin Alabi called on President Bola Tinubu to declare a state of emergency on the Nation’s infrastructure, given enormity of the challenges on ground.
The chairmen said the situation calls for thinking outside the box, adding that the financial requirements needed to fix the Nation’s infrastructure is well beyond the capacity of Annual Appropriations.
The duo however assured that the National Assembly will do everything possible within the limits of the law to help fund the projects given their importance in the scheme of things in the Nation’s commercial nerve Centre.
Conducting the Minister around different sections of the 3rd Mainland Bridge, the Carter and EKO Bridges, Federal Controller of Works in lagos state Engineer O.I. Kesha told the Minister that the underwater damage to the three Bridges is far more colossal than anyone could imagine.
Engineer Kesha also took the Minister and members of his entourage to several sections of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, some sections of the Lagos- Ibadan express way among other federal projects in lagos state.