FG Clarifies Status of Third Mainland Bridge Reconstruction
The Nigerian government has officially denied recent media reports claiming that a contract has been awarded for the reconstruction of the Third Mainland Bridge. Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, clarified that the figures previously reported were part of preliminary cost estimates, not final contract approvals.
Key Clarifications:
No Contract Awarded: The Minister stressed that the government has not awarded a contract to any company for the rehabilitation or reconstruction of the Third Mainland Bridge or the Carter Bridge.
Preliminary Cost Estimates: The reported figures of ₦3.86 trillion for repair and ₦3.6 trillion for new construction were presented to the Federal Executive Council (FEC) as preliminary findings by the construction company, Julius Berger. These were for consideration and to acknowledge the structural issues, not for contract award.
Next Steps: The Federal Executive Council has approved a plan to advertise for bids from various bridge construction experts. These experts will be required to conduct new investigations, designs, and provide their own comprehensive cost estimates.
Funding Model: The government is also actively exploring a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model to finance the projects, which would involve private investment and the potential for tolling to recover costs.
Carter Bridge Also Affected: The minister also highlighted that the Carter Bridge faces similar structural issues. The government is considering either its rehabilitation for an estimated ₦386 billion or the construction of a new bridge for about ₦359 billion.
Heavy Vehicle Ban: In a related move to address the bridges' structural integrity, the government has closed the Third Mainland Bridge to heavy trucks and plans to do the same for the Carter Bridge by September. The Independence Bridge remains the only one open to heavy-duty vehicles for passage between Lagos Island and the Mainland.
