The Federal Authorities has proposed N341 billion for emergency repairs of roads and bridges nationwide.
The Minister of Works, Senator Dave Umahi, disclosed this whereas updating members of the Nationwide Meeting Joint Committee on Works on the restore standing of the Third Mainland and Carter bridges on Saturday.
The minister and the legislators had been on a tour of the Third Mainland and Carter bridges, each situated in Lagos State.
Umahi said that repairing the bridges would avert potential risks.
He added that N341 billion had been proposed for nationwide highway and bridge repairs in 2025, though the quantity may not be ample contemplating the extent of the harm.
“Now we have proposed that N341 billion can be wanted. Nevertheless, we have no idea the overall price.
“If we had been to rebuild these bridges, even N30 trillion wouldn’t be sufficient; so, a sew in time saves 9. This is essential.
“Let me report that Julius Berger had been doing a wonderful job till they encountered this case.
“We’re collaborating with them and consulting internationally to discover a resolution.
“It is vital for the Nationwide Meeting to remember that we’ve got challenges; there aren’t any insurmountable challenges, however they shouldn’t be neglected,” Umahi mentioned.
The minister praised President Bola Tinubu for his dedication to infrastructure growth.
Umahi referred to as for pressing intervention on the bridges.
The Nationwide Meeting crew assured that an pressing public engagement can be convened to debate the state of Nigerian roads.
They had been led by the Deputy Chief Whip of the Senate, Senator Peter Nwebonyi.
Different members included the Minority Whip of the Senate, Senator Osita Ngwu, Senator Mpigi Barinada, and the Chairman of the Home of Representatives Committee on Works, Consultant Akin Alabi.
The lawmakers expressed remorse over the dearth of a upkeep plan following highway development or rehabilitation.
They famous that the bridges had remained in poor situation many years after their development as a result of absence of a upkeep plan.
The legislators recommended the minister for his efforts in addressing the nation’s infrastructure wants.
They emphasised the significance of allocating a “situation survey” funds for all bridges to make sure constant upkeep and stop additional harm.
The Information Company of Nigeria reviews that the engineers chargeable for sustaining and repairing the bridges introduced varied methods to make sure security.
These methods embody putting in short-term built-up metal helps, reconstructing capping beams, casting guard wall installations, and metal cage installations.
(NAN)
