The Federal Government has disclosed that the sum of N146billion is required for the repairs of Marina shorelines in Lagos.
Minister of Works, David Umahi, disclosed this 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.
Umahi expressed concern over 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 N146billion, however, only N1billion was available for the project in the budget”.
Umahi, however, gave assurance of early completion of repair works on three major Lagos bridges, and also inspected the underdeck of Carter Bridge and Ijora section of Eko Bridge.
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.
He said President BolaTinubu 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.
The Minister 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”, he noted.
On his part, the Minister of Finance, Wale 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.