FG APPROVES NEARLY N300 MILLION FOR UNDERWATER INSPECTION OF THIRD MAINLAND BRIDGE

The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved a contract of N290.745 million for a comprehensive underwater inspection of the Third Mainland Bridge in Lagos. The Minister of Information, Mr. Labaran Maku, who disclosed this while briefing State House correspondents on the outcome of its council meeting, said that the approval was sequel to a memorandum presented by the Minister of Works, Mr. Mike Onolememen. Maku noted that the longest bridge in the country which was key to the traffic and economic activities in Lagos, needed the comprehensive inspection for safety of lives. The 11.8 kilometres third mainland bridge, constructed in two sections, was completed in 1990 and in June last year, the FG approved a N1 billion contract for the replacement of eight expansion joints on the bridge. The council also gave approval for the country to obtain a $200 million (N32 billion) loan facility from the Internal Development Association (IDA) (World Bank) to be used to expand the Federal Government's Fadama 111 projects aimed at boosting agriculture in the country.