The total of N341 billion has been suggested by the federal government for urgent repair of roads and bridges across the country.

This was revealed by Senator Dave Umahi, the Minister of Works, during a Saturday update to the National Assembly Joint Committee on Works regarding the Third Mainland and Carter bridges’ state of repair. 

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The Third Mainland and Carter bridges, both in Lagos State, were visited by the minister and the lawmakers.

What Senator David Umahi Has To Say Concerning Emergency Repair of Roads and Bridges Nationwide

                                                Source: Francis Nwaze/Facebook

Umahi affirmed that repairing the bridges would prevent possible hazards. He went on to say that N341 billion had been suggested for national repair of roads and bridges in 2025, even though the amount might not be enough given the scale of the damage.

“We have proposed that N341 billion will be needed. However, we do not know the total cost. If we were to rebuild these bridges, even N30 trillion would not be enough; so, a stitch in time saves nine. This is very important.

“Let me report that Julius Berger had been doing an excellent job until they encountered this situation. We are collaborating with them and consulting internationally to find a solution.

“It is important for the National Assembly to bear in mind that we have challenges; there are no insurmountable challenges, but they should not be overlooked,” Umahi said.

Meanwhile, the minister praised President Bola Tinubu for his commitment to infrastructure development, while calling for urgent intervention on the bridges.

National Assembly Delegates Lawmakers To Discuss the State of Nigerian Roads

                                Source: Senator Barinada Mpigi/Facebook

Additionally, the National Assembly set up a team to address the condition of Nigerian roads, with the team promising to call an urgent public meeting.

Senator Peter Nwebonyi, the Senate’s Deputy Chief Whip, served as the team leader. Senators Mpigi Barinada, Osita Ngwu, the Senate Minority Whip, and Akin Alabi, the chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Works, were among the other members of the team.

The absence of a maintenance strategy after construction or repair of roads and bridges was lamented by the lawmakers. They pointed out that because there was no maintenance plan in place, the bridges had remained in bad shape for decades after they were built.

However, the minister’s efforts to meet the nation’s infrastructure requirements were praised by the lawmakers.

They emphasized how crucial it is to set aside money for “condition surveys” on all bridges in order to guarantee regular upkeep and stop additional damage.

According to the News Agency of Nigeria, the engineers in charge of preserving and mending the bridges offered a number of safety-enhancing tactics.

These tactics include the installation of steel cages, guard wall installations, capping beam reconstruction, and temporary built-up steel supports.