Abakaliki: The Federal Government has clarified that the contract for the reconstruction of the 3rd Mainland Bridge in Lagos has not been awarded, despite estimates by Julius Berger suggesting a cost of 6.3 trillion naira.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the Minister of Works, David Umahi, made this announcement during a courtesy visit from the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, in Abakaliki. Umahi pointed out that while defects on the 3rd Mainland Bridge and the Carter Bridge are not new, discussions with stakeholders have been ongoing.
Umahi detailed that the 3rd Mainland Bridge, over 50 years old, was assessed in 2013 and 2019, with expert consultations addressing the identified issues. Additionally, he noted that the Carter Bridge also requires rehabilitation, while work on the Eko Bridge is currently underway.
The minister revealed findings that estimated the cost to rehabilitate the Carter Bridge at N386 billion, compared to constructing a new bridge at N359 billion. Similarly, repairing the 3rd Mainland Bridge is projected at N3.86 trillion, whereas a new bridge would cost N3.6 trillion. These findings were presented to the Federal Executive Council, not for contract awarding but as estimates from Julius Berger Ltd.
Umahi emphasized that no contract has been awarded for the reconstruction of the 3rd Mainland Bridge or the Carter Bridge, and further industry expert input is being sought for potentially better solutions and costs. The necessity for FEC to recognize the issues with both bridges was highlighted, with no contracts awarded to date.
He also mentioned the federal government’s decision to close the 3rd Mainland Bridge to heavy trucks, with a similar closure for the Carter Bridge planned by September. The only current option for heavy-duty vehicles between Lagos Island and the Mainland is the Independence Bridge.
Umahi recalled the past complete burning of the Eko Bridge, with rehabilitation efforts now progressing. Looking forward, FEC has approved a call for bridge construction experts to bid on comprehensive rehabilitation plans for the two bridges, including investigation, design, costing, and potential new construction quotes.
The minister also opened the possibility for public-private partnerships, inviting private sector involvement to construct and toll the bridges for cost recovery. He reiterated that no contracts have been awarded for the reconstruction of the 3rd Mainland Bridge or the Carter Bridge.
The News Agency of Nigeria further reported that the three major bridges connecting Lagos Island to the Mainland include the Carter Bridge, built in 1901; the 3rd Mainland Bridge, whose first phase was commissioned in 1980 and completed in 1990; and the Eko Bridge, constructed in phases between 1965 and 1975.