During a recent inspection tour of key infrastructure projects in Lagos, David Umahi, the Minister of Works, highlighted critical delays in the rehabilitation of the Third Mainland Bridge.
Joined by the National Assembly Joint Committee on Works, Umahi emphasized the urgent need for action to prevent further damage.
Umahi’s concerns centered on the deteriorating condition of the bridge’s pillars, citing illegal sand mining, natural underwater currents, and rusting steel casings as contributing factors. He stressed that failure to accelerate the rehabilitation process could escalate the cost to an alarming N6 trillion.
The Minister disclosed that the Federal Government had mobilized N6 billion to Julius Berger Nigeria PLC., the contractor handling the Third Mainland Bridge rehabilitation, out of the required N21 billion.
Additionally, Umahi advocated for a State of Emergency to be declared for both the Third Mainland and Carter bridges, to expedite essential repairs and mitigate safety risks. He noted that the rehabilitation of the Carter Bridge, estimated to cost N25 billion, also required urgent attention.
Senator Barinada Mpigi, Chairman of the Joint National Assembly Committee on Works, echoed Umahi’s concerns, emphasizing the significant financial burden on the Federal Government if these projects were to fail due to inadequate rehabilitation.
Mpigi pledged the National Assembly’s support for declaring a State of Emergency on the bridges, while highlighting the need for President Bola Tinubu’s authorization.
However, Mpigi cautioned that the allocations in the 2024 budget might not suffice for these projects, underscoring the importance of swift action and additional support from the government.
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