Umahi Allays Fears Over Alleged Shaky, Defective 3rd Mainland Bridge

 

The Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi, has dismissed reports suggesting that the 3rd Mainland Bridge in Lagos is shaky and defective, calling the claims “baseless” and “maliciously orchestrated” to undermine the public’s confidence in the country’s infrastructure.

In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media, Barr. Orji Uchenna Orji, Umahi refuted the circulating rumours, emphasizing that they were part of an effort to destabilize the confidence Nigerians have in the works sector under the Renewed Hope administration.

The Minister was quick to address the misinformation, stating:
“The rumour, for all intents and purposes, is nothing but an untactful falsehood by the fifth columnists whose mission is to undermine the confidence and solidarity reposed on the works sector of the Renewed Hope administration by Nigerians.”

Umahi added that upon learning of the rumours, he immediately dispatched a team of engineers, led by the Federal Controller of Works in Lagos State, Engr. Olukorede Kesha, to inspect the 3rd Mainland Bridge. The bridge, which spans 11 kilometers, was thoroughly examined to assess its structural integrity.

Findings of the Inspection:

The results of the inspection confirmed that there was no issue with the bridge’s structural integrity. Umahi reiterated the conclusion of the assessment:
“The report is the same; that the bridge is hale and hearty, and its integrity is undoubtedly intact.”

He urged the public to disregard the “false rumours” and assured Nigerians that the Renewed Hope administration under President Bola Tinubu is committed to addressing road infrastructure deficiencies, with priority attention given to critical bridges like the 3rd Mainland Bridge.

Emphasis on Infrastructure Development:

The statement also highlighted that the 3rd Mainland Bridge, along with other iconic bridges in Lagos, has been prioritized for repair and maintenance, acknowledging the strategic importance of these infrastructures to the transportation ecosystem in Lagos and beyond.

Umahi also took the opportunity to reinforce the government’s commitment to improving Nigeria’s road infrastructure:
“The superstructure, the substructure, and other underwater elements of the 3rd Mainland Bridge are receiving profound repairs by the Renewed Hope administration,” he said.
He concluded by reassuring the public that the Federal Ministry of Works is diligently working to ensure that road infrastructures across the country are of high quality, timely, and value for money.

A Strong Reassurance:

In closing, the Minister stressed:
“The code is quality, speed, and value for money, and you can be sure that the roads done by the Renewed Hope administration can stand the test of time.”

This statement aims to calm public concerns and re-establish confidence in the safety and future of the 3rd Mainland Bridge, a vital structure for Lagos commuters.