By LYDIA CHIGOZIE-NGWAKWE

The Federal Government has expressed worry at the state of Carter Bridge in Lagos State, saying that its condition is dangerous and requires urgent attention.

The Minister of Works, Sen. Dave Umahi, raised the concern when he inspected the bridge alongside other engineers from the ministry.

The minister said that the government had been repairing the bridge since early 2024.

He said that damage to the piers and pile caps of Carter Bridge was similar to what was found on the Third Mainland Bridge.

Umahi said: “We have observed many defects on the Carter Bridge. Some of the piers are badly damaged and underwater damage frightening.”

The minister said that Julius Berger Nig. Plc. was already carrying out the bridge’s structural repairs above water.

This repairs, he said, was about 80 per cent completed.

He said that deeper problems lied beneath the water which had made the government to bring in another firm to carry out further investigations.

According to him, investigations done in 2012 and 2019 showed that the bridge was deteriorating with rusted piles, exposed reinforcements and saltwater damage.

“Some piles have even pulled away from the pile caps,” Umahi added.

The minister said that the government had been funding repairs through budget provisions and special interventions.

He said that due to damage, heavy trucks were no longer allowed on the Third Mainland Bridge.

He said that the ministry held a stakeholder engagement and asked both local and international companies to submit proposals.

According to him, so far, only BuildWell has sent a proposal for Third Mainland Bridge repair, while Julius Berger submitted a proposal for Carter Bridge.

Umahi said that the proposal to repair Carter Bridge and connecting ramps was estimated at over N380 billion, while building a new cable-stayed bridge would cost about N320 billion.

“We have not negotiated the prices or studied the documents yet.”

“We will review and make our observations to Mr. President, who will take a final decision,” he said.

Umahi compared Carter Bridge damage to a person with failing legs and hips.

He said: “We can’t just beautify the face. We must heal the foundation first. That is what Carter Bridge needs – deep structural repair or replacement.”

Umahi stressed the importance of Public/Private Partnerships (PPPs), saying investors with proven funds and capacity were welcome to take over such projects.

“We cannot cancel any project that already has government funding unless the investor shows proof of funds and readiness,” he said.

Mr. Thomas Christe, Regional Manager of Julius Berger for South West, said the company began Carter Bridge repair in 2024, focusing on pile caps and handrails above water.

He also said that the damage under water was severe, adding that the current contract would not be enough to fix the bridge completely.

“After our investigations, we suggested that a full replacement might be better.

“A new bridge will last up to 100 years, and international investors are ready to help to finance it,” Christe said.

He thanked the Federal Government for the giving the company an opportunity to work on the bridge.

He promised that Julius Berger would remain committed to supporting Nigeria’s infrastructure development. (NAN)