FG approves N99b for repair works on third mainland bridge, roads construction

The Federal Government yesterday approved N99. 01 billion for the repair works on Third Mainland Bridge in Lagos and construction of various roads across the country.  

Briefing State House Correspondents after the over eight hours closed door deliberations by the Federal Executive Council (FEC) yesterday, Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola disclosed that the Third Mainland Bridge contract was awarded to an Italian construction firm, Borini Prono ‎and would last for a period of 27 months. 

Fashola explained that the maintenance of the Third Mainland Bridge will cost about N18.874 billion.

FEC , which commenced at 11:00am yesterday ended at about 7:00pm. The meeting was presided over by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo.

Fashola who was joined by the ministers of information and culture, water resources, and transportation said the contractors are expected to carry out maintenance works on 33 piles which he said are in critical condition.
The minister who explained that the bridge has a total of 177 piles, said part of the repair works also involves the maintenance of general expansion joint replacement would be completed within 27 months.  

Nineteen piles on the bridge are under less critical condition while 44 piles are so critical.

Fashola said the budget for the repair works is captured in the 2017 appropriation law.  

He explained that FEC also approved N80.199 billion as revised amount for the second section of the 84km Lagos-Ibadan expressway project.

The Federal Government initially approved N96.304 billion for the Lagos-Ibadan road project. With yesterday’s approval by FEC, the project has been revised to N176.50 billion.

FEC also approved N38.034 billion for the construction of the 9th mile-Orikam road in Enugu State, which is 72 kilometers. About N10 billion is to be drawn from the Ecological Fund to fund the project.

Fashola said council also approved N2.54 billion for the redesign and construction of the Ilie bridge in Osun State.

Meanwhile, FEC has constituted a four-man ministerial committee headed by the Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi to inspect the condition of the East West road.