‘FG’s approval of bridge inspection good for Lagosians’

SEPTEMBER 2, 2013  

The Vice-Chairman, Senate Committee on Lands, Housing and Urban Development, Gbenga Ashafa, has said the Federal Government’s approval of an integrity test on the Third Mainland Bridge in Lagos State is good for residents and the development of the state.

The lawmaker said this on Sunday in his reaction to the approval of N290.7m for a comprehensive underwater inspection of the bridge in Lagos by the Federal Executive Council.

Ashafa, who is representing the Lagos East Senatorial District, added that the approval would give confidence to commuters plying the road.

Ashafa had in February 2013, raised a motion supported by 55 other senators seeking an investigation to ascertain the true state of the bridge.

He had argued that the bridge had steel caisson deterioration in 1,318 foundation piles, while there was extensive reinforcement bar deterioration in eight piles.

He said, “With this, the controversies surrounding the underwater piles of the bridge will, at last, be laid to rest.

“This shows that both the Senate and the Executive arm of government are working together to provide good governance for our people.

“The outlined prayers of the motion have been complied with and the needed funds approved accordingly, this is a good step by the Federal Government, Senate Committee on Works and the Federal Ministry of Works.”