Third Mainland Bridge Not Under Threat of Collapse: Works Minister

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sequel to insinuations that the Third Mainland Bridge will soon collapse, the Federal Government has rebuffed the statement adding that it is committed in taking proactive steps in line with its mandate to ensure that the bridge is kept in an acceptable service condition.

This was disclosed by the Honorable Minister of Works Arc. Mike Onolememen
when he granted an interview in his Mabuchi office.

The Minister stated that the speculations are based on mere perception as there is no civil engineering test to justify the statement, adding that the ministry is progressing in ensuring routine maintenance. He also stated that the defect on the eight expansion joints of the bridge were repaired
and replaced since last year.

Arc. Onolememen noted that although serious steel casing corrosion was noticeable, he pointed out that the steel casing had no structural function regarding the pile bearing capacity, as they served only as form works to the piles.

He further advised the general public to ignore the threat as the Third Mainland Bridge is not in any way defective; he assured that he drove on the bridge twice last week on different days, asking “Lagosians to continue using the bridge”

When asked on the origination of the story, the Minister said that the report being quoted originated from the ministry which was for under water inspection.

He maintained that the structural integrity of the bridge was not in any doubt as further tests by reputable engineering companies had confirmed the adequacy of pile concrete quality adding that based on their advice, the ministry is ensuring continuous routine maintenance works.

Idris Abdulkadir Bosuwa
Information Officer
For: Director (Information) to HMW