FG proposes N341bn for emergency repair of bridges nationwide

• As NASS Committee on Works urges President Tinubu to declare state of emergence on the nation bridges

The Federal Government has proposed N341 billion for emergency repair of bridges nationwide.

The Honourable Minister of Works, His Excellency Sen. (Engr) Nweze David Umahi CON, disclosed this while apprising members of the National Assembly Joint Committee on Works on the repair status of the Third Mainland and Carter bridges, among other projects on Saturday in Lagos.

The legislators and the media were updated graphically with a presentation on the state of the bridges before embarking on a tour of the Third Mainland and Carter bridges, both located in Lagos State.

The bridges which include the third Mainland Bridge, Carter bridge, Eko Bridge, Marina Bridge and the Shoreline, according to the minister suffered from burning, spilling of concrete, uneven surfaces, marine attack, corrosion of pile casing, deterioration of piles and caps, thinning out of bridge bearings, wears of tendons, expansion of joint and vandalism.

Umahi highlighted that repairing the bridges would avert potential dangers, adding that N341 billion had been proposed for nationwide roads and bridge repairs in 2025, although the amount might not be sufficient considering the extent of the damage.

The minister said “We have proposed that N341 billion will be needed. However, we do not know the total cost.

“If we were to rebuild these bridges, even N30 trillion would not be enough; so, a stitch in time saves nine. This is very important.

“Let me report that Julius Berger had been doing an excellent job until they encountered this situation.

“We are collaborating with them and consulting internationally to find a solution.

“It is important for the National Assembly to bear in mind that we have challenges; there are no insurmountable challenges, but they should not be overlooked,” Umahi added.

The minister praised President Bola Tinubu for his commitment to infrastructure development.

The National Assembly team, which include the Deputy Chief Whip of the Senate, Mr Peter Nwenbonyi, Minority Whip of the Senate, Sen. Osita Ngwu, Chairman, Senate Committee on Works, Sen. Mpigi Barinada, and Chairman the House of Representatives, Committee on Works, Hon. Akin Alabi, assured that an urgent public engagement would be convened to discuss the state of Nigerian roads.

The lawmakers lamented the lack of a maintenance plan following road construction or rehabilitation, adding that the bridges had remained in poor condition decades after their construction due to the absence of a maintenance plan.

The legislators commended the minister for his efforts in addressing the country’s infrastructure needs and emphasised the importance of allocating a “condition survey” budget for all bridges to ensure consistent maintenance and prevent further damage.

The lawmakers also commended President Tinubu as a leader that sees beyond today, noting that the 53 years infrastructure will cause more money if it collapses and so the repair should not be timeless, but time lag for continuous maintenance.

PHOTO NEWS