By Olayinka Owolabi
The Minister of Works, Senator Dave Umahi, has dismissed social media reports on the state of Carter Bridge and Third Mainland Bridge as misleading.
Umahi, who spoke in Lagos on Monday after inspecting sections of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway threatened by ocean surge, said the misrepresentation had fueled speculation and mockery by uninformed members of the public.
He clarified that contrary to online claims, the Federal Executive Council had not granted any approval for the reconstruction of either bridge.
According to him, specialist contractors and consultants reported that Carter Bridge had advanced defects, including heavy corrosion, pile weakening, and sand erosion caused by years of neglect and illegal dredging.
The minister explained that both the Third Mainland and Carter bridges had been under technical review since 2013.
“If we repair Carter Bridge for another 50 years, it will cost about N389 billion, but constructing a brand-new bridge that also allows increased navigation span will cost around N359 billion.
“That is the estimate given to us by Berger. We didn’t call for bidding, we only requested information,” Umahi said.
