Umahi disclosed this during a working visit to Third Mainland, Carter, Falomo, Iddo, Eko, Marina and Iganmu Bridges areas of the state alongside some Directors and contractors.
In a statement by the Deputy Director, Press and Public Relations, Clement Ezeorah, on Sunday, the minister said that the deck on Eko Bridge would be opened for proper repair, hence the need to import the equipment.
Umahi said, “Due to the technicality of the job on Eko Bridge where the Bridge deck would be open, equipment worth one point two million Euros would be imported into the Country that would be used in maintaining the aspect of the bridge.”
According to the former Ebonyi governor, lack of maintenance culture from the national level was the root cause of the deflection on the bridge, while also pointing out problems on the Third Mainland Bridge which was built in two sections 60 years ago.
“Eko Bridge suffers two problems – the lack of maintenance, and the eating up of the bearings. There are lots of air gaps, but the last administration did very well and did wonderful work.
“Work is ongoing; it will be completed in 2024 because we are pushing for an increase in the number of workers and equipment on the site.
“Without Eko Bridge, we will not have any truck coming into Lagos Island,’’ the minister said.
The PUNCH reports that phase one of the 11.8 km Third Mainland Bridge was inaugurated by President Shehu Shagari in 1980 and completed by President Ibrahim Babangida in 1990.
It is the third bridge connecting Lagos Island to the Mainland. The two other bridges connecting the two parts are the Second Mainland Bridge and Carter Bridge.
