David Umahi, the Minister of Works, has announced plans to import equipment worth €1.2 million to facilitate the repair of the Eko Bridge.
The repair work is deemed necessary due to the prolonged lack of maintenance and will require opening the bridge deck for comprehensive repairs.
Minister Umahi stated that the restoration of the 60-year-old bridge is anticipated to be finalised by 2024.
During his visit to various bridges in Lagos State, including the Third Mainland, Carter, Falomo, Iddo, Eko, Marina, and Iganmu, the minister also extended his congratulations to President Bola Tinubu for his Supreme Court victory. He called for a collective effort to advance the nation.
Assistant Director of Information, Clement Ezeorah, quoted the minister as attributing the bridge’s structural issues to a history of insufficient maintenance at the national level.
He acknowledged interventions during the tenure of President Bola Tinubu and the State Government as notable exceptions to the general lack of upkeep.
It reads in part: “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, the bridge suffered two problems. 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 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, and they are doing beautiful work. Without Eko Bridge, we will not have trucks coming into the Island so that is our saviour.”
“Engr. Umahi thanked the President and the National Assembly for looking at Infrastructure strategically in Lagos state, the financial capital of the country which has lots of national infrastructure that tremendously add to the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) therefore it cannot be neglected. He added.
“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 interests and the region.”
