The Minister of Works, David Umahi, has disclosed that N146bn is required for the repairs of Marina shorelines.
He stated this recently during a joint inspection of the lagoon sections of the Third Mainland, Carter and Eko Bridges with the Minister of Finance and the Economy, Wale Edu.
The minister was concerned about the degradation of the Marina shorelines, saying it posed a threat to the pillars of the Lagos Blue Rail Line.
He said, “Though the shorelines require N146bn, however, only N1bn was available for the project in the budget.”
Umahi, however, gave assurance of early completion of repair works on three major Lagos bridges.
The ministers also inspected the underdeck of Carter Bridge and Ijora section of Eko Bridge,
Lagos-Ibadan Expressway and the ongoing flyover rehabilitation at Lotto Junction.
Speaking with journalists, Umahi said the joint assessment was for his Finance and Economy counterpart to have firsthand knowledge of the projects and cost implications.
Umahi said the Tinubu had approved funds for comprehensive works on the two carriageways of the third Mainland Bridge, addressed challenges on the slab elements, and ensured adequate maintenance of the bridges.
Umahi expressed satisfaction with the ongoing repair works on the top deck of the Third Mainland Bridge and said the repair would be completed and the bridge reopened to traffic by April.
“It is going to be a classic reinstated bridge by the time we finish. Contractors will begin work on the underdeck and lagoon sections of the Third Mainland and Carter Bridges next week.
“Advertisements for bids for facilities on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway are also set to begin within a week.”
More so, Edun expressed satisfaction with the designs, implementation, and costs of the projects.
Edun assured of adequate funding of all infrastructure in line with the core agenda of the President to further grow the nation’s economy.
He said, “The Federal Government is working towards achieving a 77 per cent increase in its internally generated revenue to boost the economy and fund critical infrastructure across the nation.”
Edun restated the commitment of President Tinubu to economic growth, restoration and digitalisation of the economy, infrastructural development, and putting policies in place while blocking long-standing leakages caused by fuel subsidies.
He urged the NNPC Ltd to take advantage of opportunities in the oil market to shore up revenue for the country.
Earlier, the ministers had also inspected the ongoing rehabilitation of the top deck of the Third Mainland Bridge.
SOURCE: PUNCHNG
