Equipment worth 1.2 million Euros will be imported to effect maintenance on the Eko Bridge in Lagos, Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi has said.
Mr Clement Ezeorah, Assistant Director of Information at the Federal Ministry of Works made this known in a statement he issued on Sunday in Abuja.
He stated that the minister made the declaration when he paid a working visit to the Third Mainland Bridge, Carter, Falomo, Iddo, Eko, Marina and Iganmu bridges in Lagos State.
He added that the minister inspected the bridges on Saturday alongside some directors in the ministry and contractors.
Ezeorah quoted the minister as saying that the deck on Eko Bridge would be opened to effect the maintenance.
Umahi commended President Buhari”s administration’s work on bridges, noting that the Second Mainland Bridge, also known as Eko Bridge suffers two problems.
“Eko Bridge suffers two problems – the lack of maintenance, and the eating up of the bearings. There are lots of air gaps but the last administration did very good and wonderful work.
“Work is ongoing; it will be completed in 2024 because we are pushing for an 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 said.
Ezeorah stated also that Umahi 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 from the state government since President Bola Tinubu became governor of Lagos State.
