Africa
Minister of Works, Sen. Dave Umahi (3rd from right), discussing with contractor handling construction of the new Carter Bridge and other stakeholders, in Lagos on Thursday
PHYSICAL work on the new Carter Bridge in Lagos will start on Monday.
Dang Yinan, Project Manager of China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation Nig. Ltd., gave the assurance on Thursday in Lagos during inspection of the bridge by the Minister of Works, Sen. Dave Umahi.
The contractor said that preliminary works had been ongoing, and at the instruction of the minister, his team would access the site on Monday.
He said: We will follow your excellency’s direction and our mobilisation plan and make a report.
“Next week, Monday, we will start accessing the site. We will try our best.”
Earlier, Director, Advanced Engineering Consultant, Mr Olatinwo Tomilola, gave the assurance that optimisation on the alignment of the bridge had been done.
“The first design had major stakeholder issues, particularly on the Lagos Island side, but we have been able to optimise the design and adjust the right-of-way and the alignment of the bridge to minimise the negative impact on the existing settlement,” he said.
He said that the new design that had taken care of challenges.
He said that the set-run span of the bridge was about 105 metres on either side, providing better navigation under the bridge.
“What currently exists is about 35 metres on either side, but the bridge that will be constructed will be 105 on either side; that provides for better navigation.”
He noted that the bridge was a major route for badges moving from the ports in Apapa, to the Bonded terminal in Ikorodu.
”We have created a better navigation space, not just in terms of horizontal space, but even in terms of the vertical clearance.
” The existing bridge is about six metres from the water level. The new bridge will be 12 metres high. It takes care of both today’s demands and future demands.
The Controller of Works in Lagos, Mr Olufemi Dare, noted that construction of the new Carter Bridge was flagged off some weeks ago.
He said that preliminary works had been ongoing and the right-of-way marking, stakeholders’ meeting and so many other works were ongoing. (NAN)
Tags: New Carter Bridge