€1.2m Worth of Imported Equipment Needed For the Rehabilitation of Eko Bridge – Minister

Dave Umahi, the Minister of Works, has stressed the importance of importing construction equipment valued at €1.2 million for the efficient execution of rehabilitation activities on the Eko Bridge in Lagos State.

This revelation was made during the minister’s inspection tour of several bridges in Lagos State, including the Third Mainland, Carter, Falomo, Iddo, Eko, Marina, and Iganmu Bridges, accompanied by various directors and contractors.

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In an official statement released by Clement Ezeorah, the Deputy Director of Press and Public Relations, Minister Umahi revealed that the Eko Bridge’s deck would be opened for thorough repairs, thus justifying the need to import the specified equipment. Umahi explained, “Due to the technical nature of the task on the Eko Bridge, where the bridge deck will be exposed, equipment worth €1.2 million will be imported into the country for the purpose of maintaining the bridge section.”

The former governor of Ebonyi State attributed the bridge’s deflection issues to a lack of a maintenance culture at the national level.

He also pointed out structural problems on the Third Mainland Bridge, which was constructed in two segments over six decades ago. Umahi remarked, “The Eko Bridge faces two main challenges – the absence of proper maintenance and the deterioration of the bridge’s bearings.

Hear him :He said, “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 well 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 on the site.

“Without Eko Bridge, we will not have any truck coming into Lagos Island.’’