The Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, has reaffirmed the Federal Government's commitment to restoring critical infrastructure in Lagos State, announcing that work on the new Carter Bridge will commence this month while rehabilitation of the Eko Bridge continues at an accelerated pace.
Speaking during an inspection of ongoing federal road and bridge projects in Lagos on Thursday, Umahi expressed confidence that the Eko Bridge rehabilitation would be completed before the end of the year.
The Minister said in a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Media, Francis Nwaze, that the bridge suffered extensive damage from a fire incident caused by activities beneath the structure, repeated collisions by heavy-duty trucks, and illegal sand dredging around its foundations.
To speed up reconstruction, the Ministry has adopted alternative engineering methods.
"Today, we saw the rebuilding process and, to save time, we decided instead of using concrete beams, we would use T-beams," Umahi said.
He noted that ongoing works include reinforced concrete pavement construction and excavation to increase the bridge's headroom to the standard 5.6 metres required for heavy-duty vehicles.
Umahi disclosed that emergency stabilization works on the bridge are estimated at about ₦12 billion, while ongoing underwater repairs and replacement of critical components are valued at approximately ₦18 billion.
"We needed to intervene immediately so that Eko Bridge will not collapse," he stated.
FG Moves Against Abuse of Public Infrastructure
The Minister expressed concern over abandoned trucks and illegal activities beneath bridges, directing the Federal Controller of Works in Lagos to establish a task force to safeguard federal infrastructure.
"We've seen that it takes madness to cure this level of madness under our bridges," he remarked.
Umahi announced that construction activities on the new Carter Bridge will begin next week, with full mobilization expected before the end of June.
He commended China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) for demonstrating commitment by mobilizing to site despite not yet receiving mobilization funds.
"When you're given a contract, you have to demonstrate capacity and willingness to partner with the Federal Government," he said.
According to the Minister, the new bridge will feature modern engineering designs, including two 105-metre navigation spans to enhance water transportation and maritime activities.
"We're going to have two spans of one hundred and five metres each to aid navigation along this corridor."
He added that the bridge would also incorporate a cable-supported design aimed at meeting international standards.
Tinubu Approves More Road Projects
Highlighting ongoing infrastructure investments across the country, Umahi revealed that President Bola Tinubu had approved the release of funds for Section One of the 125-kilometre Agwanga-Jos Road Project.
He also announced that the Gombe-Biu Road contract had been awarded, while the design of the Gombe-Bauchi Road is currently underway.
'Talk Is Cheap' – Umahi Fires Back at Critics
The Minister dismissed claims by some political figures that they were better qualified to lead Nigeria than President Tinubu.
"I laughed in vernacular when somebody who says he is a presidential aspirant claims he is the most qualified."
Praising Tinubu's record as former Governor of Lagos State, Umahi said:
"This is a man who tamed the Atlantic Ocean as a young governor of Lagos State. There are so many things President Bola Tinubu did to prove that he is a born leader."
"Talk is very cheap."
He maintained that despite existing challenges, the President continues to demonstrate courage and leadership in tackling national problems.
Director of Advanced Engineering Consultant, Olatinwo Tomilola Alatinwo, said the redesigned Carter Bridge would feature a height of 12 metres and wider navigation spans to accommodate future transportation demands.
Similarly, CCECC Project Manager, Dang Yinan, assured the Federal Government of the company's readiness to begin work immediately.
"Next week Monday, we will start accessing the site. We will try our best," he said.