To maintain the Eko Bridge in Lagos, equipment valued at 1.2 million euros would be imported, according to Minister of Works Sen. David Umahi. In a statement released on Sunday in Abuja, Mr. Clement Ezeorah, Assistant Director, Information, Federal Ministry of Works, disclosed this.
He said that during a working tour to the Third Mainland Bridge, Carter, Falomo, Iddo, Eko, Marina, and Iganmu bridges in Lagos State, the minister made the statement.
He continued by saying that the minister, along with a few ministry executives and contractors, had visited the bridges on Saturday.
The minister was reported by Ezeorah as saying that in order to do maintenance, the deck of the Eko Bridge would be opened.
Umahi praised the efforts made on bridges by President Buhari’s administration, pointing out that the Second Mainland Bridge, also called the Eko Bridge, has two issues.
“The two issues facing Eko Bridge are the bearings eroding and the lack of maintenance. Although there are numerous pair gaps, the previous government performed an excellent job.
“Work is ongoing; we plan to finish it in 2024 since we are advocating for more personnel and equipment to be sent to the site.
The minister declared, “We will not have any trucks coming into Lagos Island without Eko Bridge.”
Ezeorah added that Umahi claimed the Third Mainland Bridge, which was constructed in two sections, needed extensive upkeep, especially from the Federal Government.
The minister pointed out that the bridge’s deviation was brought on by the Federal Government administrations before President Muhammadu Buhari’s neglect.
He added that since President Bola Tinubu took office as Lagos State’s governor, the state government has paid attention to the facilities.
President Shehu Shagari opened the 11.8 km Third Mainland Bridge’s Phase One in 1980, and President Ibrahim Babangida finished it in 1990.
This bridge is the third that spans Lagos Island and the mainland. The Second Mainland Bridge and Carter Bridge are the other two bridges that span the gap between the two sections.
Umahi expressed gratitude to President Tinubu and the National Assembly for their strategic examination of Lagos State’s infrastructure.
He pointed out that Lagos State, the nation’s financial hub, had a wealth of national infrastructure that significantly increased GDP and shouldn’t be disregarded.
