Minister of Works, Engr. David Nweze Umahi has said equipment worth 1.2 million euros would be imported into the country for the maintenance of the Eko bridge.
The Minister stated this during a working visit to Third Mainland, Carter, Falomo, Iddo, Eko, Marina, and Iganmu Bridges in Lagos State.
A statement by the Assistant Director (Information) Press and Public Relations (FMW), Mr Clement Ezeorah said the Minister inspected the bridges alongside some Directors in the Ministry with contractors on Saturday 28th, October 2023.
Umahi pointed out problems on the Third Mainland Bridge which was built in two sections 60 years ago by an Italian Company and Julius Berger.
He said the reason for deflection on the bridge was lack of maintenance from the national level, other than the last administration where intervention came from and the State Government especially when President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was in office.
The Minister said “Due to the technicality of the job on Eko Bridge where the Bridge deck would be open, equipment worth one point two million Euros would be imported into the Country that would be used in maintaining the aspect of the bridge.
He commended the last administration’s work on the bridge, he said: “Eko Bridge suffered two problems such as lack of maintenance, and the bearings eating up, lots of the pair gaps have serious issues but the last administration did a very good and wonderful work.”
“Work is ongoing, it will finish in 2024 because we are pushing for an increase in the number of workers and equipment to the site, they are doing a beautiful work.”
Umahi said, “Without Eko Bridge, we will not have any trucks coming into Island so that is our saviour.”
Engr. Umahi, thanked the President and the National Assembly for looking at Infrastructure strategically in Lagos State, adding that the financial capital of the country which has lots of national infrastructure that tremendously adds to the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) cannot be neglected.
He also 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 interests and the region.