The Minister of Power, Works, and Housing, Babatunde Fashola, has said the federal government will spend N270 billion over three years to repair, maintain and restore over 50 bridges across the country. This is, however, dependent on the speedy passage of the 2017 appropriation bill.
He made this known during an inspection of partial work done on the Lagos Third Mainland Bridge, connecting Lagos mainland and the island.
“The ministry is seeking the support of legislature to achieve a 3-year plan to repair, maintain and restore over 50 bridges across the country,” he said.
Fashola also assured Nigerians of the government’s readiness to fast-track developmental works that would be carried out during its administration.
According to the minister, many bridges in the country have not been maintained for decades which have made the federal government focus on repairs.
Fashola also appealed against misuse of bridges in the country, calling on those responsible to desist as the government will not shy away from prosecuting them.
The Third Mainland Bridge is the longest of three bridges connecting Lagos Island to the mainland, the other two being the Eko and Carter bridges.
The bridge has in times past raised several concerns which made remedial work to be carried out on portions of the bridge at different times, leading to the partial closure of the bridge.
