By Onuora Aninwobodo
The Minister of Works, Senator Dave Umahi, says social media reports on Carter and Third Mainland Bridges are misleading.
He clarified that no approval has been given for reconstruction, and his Federal Executive Council briefing only sought permission to engage global experts for technical assessments.
Umahi, speaking after inspecting progress on the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway on Monday, urged the media to verify facts before publication.
He said that both Third Mainland and Carter bridges had been under technical review since 2013.
Umahi emphasised that saltwater penetration, illegal sand mining and rusting of piles had worsened Third Mainland and Carter bridges structural defects.
The minister said that technical inspections of Lagos bridges in 2013, 2019 and 2023 showed deterioration under water.
”Specialist contractors and consultants reported that Carter Bridge’s defects were advancing exponentially.
”Findings revealed heavy corrosion, pile weakening and sand erosion due to neglect and illegal dredging,” he said.
According to Umahi, bridge construction experts have advised that Carter Bridge should be demolished and replaced.
He went on to speak on the Lagos Calabar Coastal highway.
“This is the only project in the whole country where you have, 750 kilometer of roots, and you have, you know, 750 times two of under ground drainage. All true.” he said
The minister while inspecting the Coastal Road, said there is need to fight, the ocean.
“And, the company that the ocean respect very highly is Hitech. So they came up with a combination of, options that has seen us through in this section starting from, kilometer 13. And, may end it at kilometer 15 to be very sure that we are safe over this, ocean surge.”
In fact, this can say to be a project on its own, but it was not envisaged.
It’s going to eat into our contingency front, but it has to be done. Because if you don’t do it, a chain is as strong as the weakest link, and this is the weakest link for now on this project.”
He assured the Federal Government’s commitment to ensuring public safety on all federal bridges.
