By ABAH SUNDAY, Abuja
Minister of Works Sen. David Umahi has disclosed that due to the technicality of the job on the Eko Bridge in Lagos where the Bridge deck would be opened, equipment worth €1.2 million will be imported into the country to be be used in revamping the structure.
The Minister made the disclosure while on an inspection tour of the Third Mainland, Carter, Falomo, Iddo, Eko,Marina, and Iganmu Bridges in Lagos State in the company of some directors and contractors at the weekend, a statement signed by Clement Ezeorah, AD, Media and Public Relations in the ministry, said.
Commending the immediate past administration for the work done on the bridge, Umahi said, “Eko Bridge suffered two problems of lack of maintenance, and the bearings are 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 be finished in 2024 because we are pushing for increase in the number of workers and equipment to site, they are doing a beautiful work.
“Without Eko Bridge, we will not have any truck coming into Island so that is our saviour.”
Umahi, while briefing the Press, also pointed out 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 due to lack of maintenance from the national level, except during the last administration when intervention came, and from the state government, especially when President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was in office.
Engr Umahi thanked the President and the National Assembly for looking at Infrastructure strategically in Lagos State – the financial capital of the country which, according to the immediate past Ebonyi State Governor, plays host to national infrastructure that tremendously add to the country’s gross domestic product, GDP, and therefore cannot be neglected.
The works 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.