By Enyichukwu Enemanna
Nigeria’s Minister of Works, Sen. David Umahi says equipment worth 1.2 million Euros will be imported into the country to effect maintenance works on Eko Bridge in Lagos State, the country’s commercial capital.
The Minister also commended the administration of immediate past President, Muhammadu Buhari for works on bridges around Lagos, noting that the Second Mainland Bridge, also known as Eko Bridge suffers two problems.
A statement on Sunday by Mr Clement Ezeorah, Assistant Director, of Information, at the Federal Ministry of Works quoted the Minister as stating these when he paid a working visit to the Third Mainland Bridge, Carter, Falomo, Iddo, Eko, Marina, and Iganmu bridges all in Lagos State.
Umahi inspected the bridges on Saturday alongside some directors in the ministry and contractors, the statement noted, quoting the Minister as saying that the deck on Eko Bridge would be opened to effect the maintenance.
“Eko Bridge suffers two problems – the lack of maintenance, and the eating up of the bearings. There are lots of pair gaps, but the last administration did a very good and wonderful work.
“Work is on-going; it will be completed in 2024 because we are pushing for increase in the number of workers and equipment to site.
“Without Eko Bridge, we will not have any truck coming into Lagos Island,’’ the Minister was quoted as saying.
According to the statement, Umahi further said the Third Mainland Bridge, built in two sections required comprehensive maintenance, particularly by the Federal Government.
The minister noted that the deflection on the bridge was caused by the lack of maintenance by successive Federal Government administrations preceding that of President Muhammadu Buhari.
He noted also that the facility, however, received attention by the state government since President Bola Tinubu became governor of Lagos State.
Third Mainland Bridge connects Lagos Island to the Mainland. The two other bridges connecting the two parts are the Second Mainland Bridge and Carter Bridge.
Umahi thanked President Tinubu and the National Assembly for looking at infrastructure in Lagos State strategically.
