Umahi to Nigerians: Disregard Rumours, 3rd Mainland Bridge Not Defective

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

The Minister of Works, David Umahi, yesterday said that contrary to some reports in certain quarters, the popular Third Mainland Bridge in Lagos remains in good condition.

A statement in Abuja by his spokesman, Uchenna Orji, said the insinuations of deterioration were nothing but outright falsehood by fifth columnists, whose mission, he said, is to undermine  the confidence and solidarity reposed  in the works  ministry.

“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.

“The Minister of Works had upon getting wind of this needless rumour and, for the benefit of the doubt, deployed a team of engineers led by the Federal Controller of Works in charge of Lagos State, Engr. Olukorede Kesha to inspect the entire length and width of the bridge  measuring 11 kilometres.

“This was  a view to ascertaining if by the whiskers  anything went amiss with the 3rd Mainland bridge. The report is the same; that the bridge  is hale and hearty, and its integrity is undoubtedly intact,” Uchenna said.

He enjoined members  of the public  to disregard  the ‘false rumours’ making  the rounds on the state of the 3rd Mainland bridge, saying the current administration has demonstrated commitment  to the revamping of inherited road infrastructure deficiencies.

“The 3rd Mainland Bridge, including other iconic bridges in Lagos, have received priority intervention by Mr. President knowing  that they are vital to the road communication and transportation ecosystem in Lagos and beyond.

“ That is why the superstructure, the substructure, and other underwater elements  of the 3rd Mainland bridge are receiving profound  repairs by the Renewed Hope administration.

“The Federal Ministry of Works is up to task and speed  in changing  the narratives in the road infrastructure development in Nigeria. 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,” Orji added.