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Tag: bridge

  • Lagos, investors sign N844b Fourth Mainland Bridge deal

    Lagos, investors sign N844b Fourth Mainland Bridge deal

    LAGOS State Government and a consortium of investors yesterday struck a deal on the N844billion Fourth Mainland Bridge, which is expected to address the chaotic traffic in the metropolis.

    The bridge, which is being constructed under Build, Own and Transfer (BOT), is expected to be completed in three years.

    The Federal Government, Governor Akinwunmi Ambode said, is not funding the project, which, according to him, has become imperative following the state’s phenomenal growth, with over 21 million population.

    The 38-kilometre bridge will be concessioned for 40 years under the Public private Partnership (PPP) initiative of the government.

    The consortia to handle the mega project are Visible Asset Limited, Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, Hi-tech Construction Limited, J.P. Morgan, Eldorado Nigeria Limited, Nigerian Westminster Dredging and Marine, Africa Finance Corporation (AFC) and Access Bank.

    The bridge, among others, will accommodate cyclists and pedestrians; it will have two service areas and additional pedestrian crossing.

    It will also accommodate three toll plazas, which are still being tested from the financial point of view to serve as a boost to the actualisation of the Lekki Master Plan.

    Speaking during the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at the Banquet Hall of Lagos House in Ikeja, Ambode said the increase in commercial activities and traffic gridlock across the metropolis has made it imperative to have a 4th Mainland Bridge that will serve as an alternative route to the Eastern axis and decongest traffic in the State.

    He said: “More importantly this bridge will provide the required transportation complement to the rapidly growing industrial activities on the Eti-Osa – Lekki – Epe corridor of the state.”

    The governor said the proposed alignment of the bridge would pass through Lekki, Langbasa and Baiyeku along the shoreline of the Lagos Lagoon estuaries, further running through Igbogbo River Basin and crossing the Lagos Lagoon estuaries to Itamaga in Ikorodu.

    The alignment will also cross through the Itoikin road and the Ikorodu – Sagamu Road to connect Isawo inward Lagos Ibadan Expressway at Ojodu Berger axis.

    He said the bridge would be made up of eight interchanges to facilitate effective inter-connectivity between different parts of the state.

    “This structure will be a four-lane dual carriageway with each comprising three lanes and two metres hard shoulder on each side. The bridge will be constructed to have a generous median to allow for both future carriageway expansion and light rail facility. There is no gainsaying the fact that huge benefits will be derived from this project but most importantly, make life more comfortable for Lagosians,” the governor said.

    According to the governor, the bridge attests to the confidence the consortia have in the government and the economy.

    Expressing optimism that the project would be delivered on a win-win framework for the investors, Ambode said for the first time in the state’s history, it is embarking on the construction of a long-span bridge and expressway without Federal funding.

    “I am delighted that this project which has been on the drawing board for quite some time is now set to become a reality. This again, is the continuity with improvement which we promised Lagosians.

    “We have started the process with the signing of this MoU which is an expression of the commitment of major stakeholders including the government and the consortium of consultants and investors to the delivery of the project within the scheduled time frame,” the governor said.

    The project will be financed by AFC, Access Bank and other private investors. Visible Assets Limited is the coordinating firm.

    Visible Assets Limited Executive Chairman Mr. Idowu Iluyomade said the bridge would reduce traffic and provide jobs for Lagosians.

    According to him, it will also be an asset that would be handed over to the government at the end of the concession.

    Earlier, Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure Ganiyu Johnson said the bridge when completed would utilise state of the art tolling system to ensure free flow of traffic.

  • Lagos lights up Third Mainland Bridge

    In line with the ongoing statewide “Operation Light up Lagos” project, the Lagos State government has completed the illumination of the Third Mainland Bridge.

    The project begins from the Ojodu Berger section of the bridge and covers the entire sections of the bridge.

    A statement signed by the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr Steve Ayorinde, says:” The Third Mainland Bridge constitutes an important segment of the road network in the state, as such, the state government cannot overlook its importance as it also serves as a connecting point to the high brow economic pot of the state.

    He further explained that the effort is to fulfill the 24/7 economy promised by the state governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, during his electioneering campaign period.

    “The economy of Lagos has gone beyond the day driven transactions, as such, the night economy component should be fully developed.

    “Every businessman wants to invest in a safe and secured environment. Once an investor is assured that the operating environment is safe and secured; the assurance of more investment is guaranteed,” Ayorinde said.

    Other reason for this project, the statement said, is geared towards promoting further collaboration with the Federal Government, which is expected to go a long way to cement a good working relationship as well as boost the economy of the state and Nigeria.

    Some other areas that have been lit up under this project include, Ikorodu to Lagos Island, Ikeja, Oshodi, Victoria Island and Ikoyi, Eko Bridge, among others.

  • Building the bridge to the future

    SIR: Every society rests on a sustainable law of systems. If our national life must know fulfillment, there are things we must do and not do. We must not let recurrent expenditures exceed capital expenditure. Immediate problems must not be solved at the expense of investment into the future by giving robust attention to education. When a sector is underfunded, it is as good as not being funded at all because adequate attention cannot be given to complete and fulfill what ought to be done. It is insanity to keep doing things the same way and expect different results.

    For unusual and meaningful progress to be made in education, it must not be business as usual. There is need for this administration to employ a radical approach to achieve classical results by curbing age-long  corruption, providing facilities to meet 21st Century demand, so as to have world-class institutions to advance our economy. Baking inferior graduates that are certificated  without  being effectively competent to be job-producers will pin our civil services down to the  depth of degradation. How can we have competent medical  doctors  to manage health care delivery, engineers and technocrats when we keep using last century ideas in today’s business?

    Let this administration stop corruption in all its ramifications. There should not be sacred cows; it must have zero tolerance for  corruption however little because not even God can deliver us from what we have affection for. To fight this manfully, we need to employ the Asian Tiger policy of punishing law-breakers even if found among lawmakers and stop extravagant spending on governance;  it is  unthinkable for those entrusted with public treasury to feed fat at the expense of common people.

    Unless proceeds from the oil is diversified to industrialize the economy, we are not better than beggars that live only for daily survival. In vain is forcing dollars rate down when we do not have goods to export. Education stimulates economy by giving back graduates to produce values in unquantifiable manner for economic viability and all round productivity.

    It is high time we adhered to UNESCO standard and policy on education that 26% of annual budget be devoted to education. This administration will do well if she can declare free and compulsory and education in Northern Nigeria to stop the illiteracy, ignorance and insurgency bedevilling that region. This was what late Chief Obafemi Awolowo did in 1955 in Western Nigeria with free and compulsory education and his counterpart in the North, late Sir Ahmadu Bello  with scholarships and bursary allowances.

    We must realise that the Almajiris of yesterday are the Boko Haram of today. There were schools in Borno State that had no Mathematics, English Language and science teachers. When children graduate from schools with no teachers, how will they not believe that education is a sin?

    The compelling need of every nation is to advance toward technological development. Nigeria is created with potentials and abilities for success and greatness. The only way by which the land can prosper is to develop her youth by giving them sound education because today’s kids are tomorrow’s kings. Sophisticated weapons  cannot  combat crimes; get our youth soundly educated to meet 21st Century Standard and redefine their sense of patriotism. We may not be able to prepare the future for our children but we can prepare them for the  future. Let us wisely use our scarce resources we have to get what we  need. Twenty-six percent of annual budget is the way out. Let us act fast before it is too late.

    • Ezekiel  Oluwole Kolawole,

    Ikotun, Lagos.

     

  • Divided by fallen bridge

    Divided by fallen bridge

    An old bridge linking Ebonyi, Enugu and Benue states has collapsed, leaving its users in a foul mood. OGOCHUKWU ANIOKE reports

    It may not have been the most beautiful, but the Ikem Bridge had served the people for decades. Now it has collapsed into the Ebenyi River in Isi-Uzo local government area of Enugu State.

    The bridge, built by the Nigerian Army shortly after the Civil War, was a link to several communities in Enugu, Ebonyi and Benue states. Those communities have been grieving.

    The hanging bridge gave way after a cement-laden truck said to belong to Dangote Group lingered on it. The truck was reportedly conveying about 900 bags of cement.

    Many communities in Enugu, Ebonyi, Benue have been cut off as a result of the fallen bridge. Some of those communities are in Udenu, Enugu State Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi’s home local council.

    Residents quickly started putting up a makeshift bamboo bridge to trek across the river to get to their homes.

    “It’s now a divided kingdom,” said Mr. Frank Nnamani, who was cut off between his home and his block industry across the river.

    Commuters travelling from Ehamufu to Enugu now stop at various points of the river and swim across to continue their journey.

    The fallen bridge has also divided the community’s Orie Market in two, with one at its original venue and a new one at Ikem Junction across the Ebenyi River.

    Mr. Nnamani lamented their plight, saying, “Now that there is nothing to manage again as we were managing, the best thing is for the state government to re-mobilise the contractor who absconded from the site, to continue work on the concrete span bridge abandoned by the past state administration.”

    Some other residents said, “It is even good that the bridge has come to an end so that attention will be paid to the abandoned bridge contract.”

    Reactions have also been trailing the collapse of the bridge by different people who learnt about the development: Mr. Emma Nweze, a journalist said: “We should pray for Nigeria. How can such a bridge be found in a country called giant of Africa?”

    N’dozie Odunze an indigene who leaves in Lagos suggested that the 900 bags of cement be used in constructing the bridge, while Albert Ejike, an indigene of Ikem residing in Lagos blamed the Isi-Uzo LGA administration for the disaster.

    Silas Okwor who lives in Germany described the collapse as “very sad”.

    Emeka Ogene from Ehamufu lamented that whereas there is no thoroughfare through Nkalagu in Ebonyi state for the same bad bridge and road, the only alternative route which was Ikem is now no more.

    An Abuja-based legal practitioner from Neke, Austin Nwaro, said: “This ugly incident really provokes the thought of asking the necessity of local government administration. Is LG as third tier of government actually necessary or better still are they doing what they are supposed to do vis-a-vis the amount of money allocated to them?”

    Reacting, the Chairman of Isi-Uzo LGA, Augustine Nnamani maintained that his council has been spending money to maintain the collapsed bridge.

    He noted that the council is still making monthly contributions to the state government for the Enugu-Ikem road project adding that 90 percent of the contract has been completed about two years ago.

    Another resident of Ikem community said the local government has mandated the member representing Isi-Uzo state constituency at the Enugu state House of Assembly, Dr. Emeka Ogbuabor, to immediately move a motion on mater of urgent importance on the floor of the house to cause attention to the tragedy in his constituency.

  • Bridge falls in Enugu

    Bridge falls in Enugu

     

    A hanging bridge at Ikem in Isi-Uzo Local Government Area of Enugu State has collapsed.

    The bridge served as the only outlet for transporting agricultural products from the area.

    Although no life was lost but the bridge that connected five communities, other local government areas as well as Ebonyi and Benue states had cut-off the commuters motorists and other road users.

    The collapse of the bridge has paralysed vehicular movement in and out of the town and  caused serious hardship to the people of the area and other road users.

    The bridge which was constructed during the Nigerian civil war by the federal troops collapsed when a tanker that went to supply diesel to the generating set powering one of the telecommunication masts in the place was trying to cross the bridge, leaving the tanker hanging in the middle of the bridge.

    Commuters now have take two different vehicles for their journey.   Commercial vehicles and motorcycles stop people at the two edges of the bridge to enable the passengers to cross the river with their legs where they will rejoin another vehicle to continue their journey.

    A resident of Ikem Mr. Toochukwu Ngwu called on governor Ifeanyi Ugwanyi to do something immediately to reduce the suffering of the people whom he said have been completely cut-off from their brothers living in the other side of the town.

     

  • ‘Second Niger bridge on course’

    The Director-General, Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC), Mr. Aminu Diko, has said the construction of the second Niger bridge was on course.

    A statement by Diko disputed reports that the project was “on hold”, “stalled”, “being probed” or even “suspended”.

    His words: “During my visit to the President, I expressed concerns about the cost, vis-à-vis projected toll fees and engagement of community stakeholders, whose land would be affected.

    “The commission would like to see the bridge completed to alleviate the plight of travellers, especially during festivities.

    “We know that it is critical; we also know how Nigerians suffer during festive holidays and we hear people sleep on the old bridge. The time has come to bring succour to Nigerians.”

    Diko said as a Public Private Partnership initiative, the project must pass through checks to satisfy the government and investors of its viability, and to ensure people got value for money.

    The director-general said besides the Niger bridge, ICRC was working with private partners on the Lagos/Ibadan Expressway, the Sagamu/Ore/Benin road and the Murtala Muhammed road.

    He added that the three seaports at Akwa Ibom, Lekki, and Badagry, the silos and hydro-power scheme, were some projects the commission was working on.

    “These projects are important to the country and it is in our interest that they are successful.

    “Most importantly, our duty is not only to oversee the provision of quality infrastructure services, but also to ensure that the country and its citizens are not shortchanged by investors,” Dikko said.

  • The Fourth Mainland Bridge

    •Federal Government should partner with Lagos in providing this critical infrastructure

    Palpable fears that the Lagos State government may be forced by paucity of funds to shelve construction of a Fourth Mainland Bridge is a cause for concern. The Bridge was designed in response to practical challenges arising from population explosion and anticipation of need of its greater  as the city of Lagos, known as Nigeria’s mega city. The bridge, if constructed, will be a major lift for communities along the Lekki-Ajah axis and the Ikorodu corridor, which have begun to suffer from the overflow from the congested main Lagos city centre. It is a major component of a 23-kilometre ambitious modern road project.

    In April, while briefing the press on activities of the ministry of works, the former commissioner in charge of the ministry, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, pointed out that the only way the government could sustain the plan was to redesign and down-scale it. He pointed out that this had become inevitable as a review of the cost indicated that compensation to property owners along the right of way could amount to more than fifteen billion Naira.

    However, such a review might not keep faith with the vision behind the project. Lagos is a sprawling city, the commercial capital of Nigeria and the most cosmopolitan in the West Africa sub-region. It is, therefore, important for all involved to ensure that Lagosians heave a sigh of relief from the traffic congestion and poor planning that have defined its existence for some time.

    We call on the federal government to come to the aid of the state government if the project is to come to fruition. The Lekki-Ajah-Epe axis, with the plan for an airport and a Free Trade Zone, requires careful planning that could only be boosted by the Fourth Mainland Bridge as originally designed.

    We appreciate the load being carried by the state government that is at the moment handling and financing the Badagry expressway and the Mile-12-Ikorodu modern avenue. When this is added to the light rail project,  it would be beyond the capacity of the Lagos State government alone to accomplish.

    One of the advantages of a federal arrangement is that the central government intervenes in situations like this. The people of Lagos who are from all parts of the country would feel a sense of belonging if the Buhari administration steps in. It has been argued many times that the former federal capital deserves a special status. Other state capitals may be clamouring for greater attention from the federal government, too, but the case for Lagos is unassailable. This is devoid of political undertone as the contribution of the state to federal revenue from the Value Added Tax, income tax and manpower calls for compensation. The pressure on the available infrastructure is so enormous that it would be unfair if it were left for the state government alone.

    Federal intervention in the infrastructural development of Lagos should not be limited to the bridge. Efforts by the state government in such critical areas that impact economic growth such as power generation and distribution, Water resources and manpower development also deserve attention.

    We also call on the Governor Akinwunmi Ambode to revisit, review the project and come up with a policy on it. He should table it before the federal government. He has a duty, too, to undertake a comprehensive review of the infrastructural need of the state and seek new partnership with the private sector that would also be a beneficiary of improved facilities. We recall that President Buhari and his party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), pledged to pay adequate attention to Lagos if elected. This is the time to fulfill that solemn pledge. Governor Ambode should pressure the president in line with their dialogue on the hustings.

  • A bridge too far?

    A bridge too far?

    •After the campaign season, completing the 2nd Niger Bridge, and other crucial infrastructure nationwide is proving a forlorn hope

    The Second Niger Bridge is fast becoming the troubling symbol of electoral emptiness. Thrice — 2006, 2011 and 2015 — its promised completion had raised voter adrenalin and delivered a confetti of votes, particularly from Nigeria’s political South East.

    But as it was after those two previous electioneering seasons, it is now after the general elections of 2015: the politicians have reaped their votes. But the voters’ expectations on the bridge’s completion remain dashed.

    Former President Olusegun Obasanjo first pulled the stunt in 2006, baiting Igbo votes for the 2007 elections. Goodluck Jonathan, Obasanjo’s protégé-turned-enemy, played the same card twice: 2011 and 2015. Although President Jonathan won in 2011, he didn’t deliver on the bridge. He lost in 2015, so he is in no position to do so. Meanwhile, the Second Niger Bridge idea was first mooted in 1979, which shows the bridge, as a vote-milking sop, dated back to the Second Republic (1979-1983)!

    President Muhammadu Buhari may not have anchored his campaign on the bridge; and labours under no burden to deliver on any promise. But that does not vitiate the importance of completing a second bridge across the Niger.

    For one, the present sole bridge is worse for wear. After its completion in 1965, and the repair on its damaged sections after the Civil War, expert opinion insists it may be past its prime. For another, it is a crucial link between Nigeria’s West and East — and that includes the eastern part of the South-South. It is therefore a critical socio-economic link.

    But even if President Buhari wanted to act, it would appear there is little he could do. This is clear from the paucity of funds, which has seen vital construction works across the country grind to a halt. Work too has stopped on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, which Jonathan presidency sources, at the heat of the election season, were trumpeting was moving ahead of schedule; and on the Shagamu-Ore-Benin Expressway.

    On the work sites of both the Second Niger Bridge and Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, the work gang has been demobilised. At the bridge site at Asaba (Delta State) and Ogbaru (Anambra State), no less than 50 ad hoc workers have been laid off; and more may follow. Heavy equipment too have been moved, reportedly pending the time funding would resume. It is the same story at the two ends of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, where Julius Berger (Lagos end) and RCC (Ibadan end) were taking charge. The plant houses at both facilities have also been shut.

    Though President Jonathan said during the campaign that N10 billion had been spent on the Niger Bridge, thus underscoring his government’s resolve to complete it, the funding plan for the project had been unconvincing and rather controversial, particularly the bit about tolling the bridge. Many stakeholders had kicked against the plan, but were nevertheless upbeat that the dream was, at last, coming true. But alas!

    Even if Jonathan had won, given the present economic meltdown which arose from his government’s wanton waste, throttling corruption and collapse of crude price in the global oil market, it is doubtful if work would have continued. That tends to suggest an electoral hoax.

    That is squandering government’s social capital with the people. That explains the near-complete breakdown of trust between citizens and government. Such conduct must be condemned with all vehemence. A government that breaches the social contract only courts nothing but instability and eventual anarchy.

    That is why the Buhari presidency should move fast, stop the financial bleeding and re-mobilise to site on these vital works as soon as possible. That is the only way the Nigerian state can save face against a progressively sceptical — if not outright cynical — citizens.

    ‘The Buhari presidency should move fast, stop the financial bleeding and re-mobilise to site on these vital works as soon as possible. That is the only way the Nigerian state can save face against a progressively sceptical — if not outright cynical — citizens’

  • How to bridge rural-urban digital divide, by HIS Towers

    Executive Vice Chairman & Group CEO, HIS Towers, Issam Darwish, has said one of the best ways to bridge existing digital gap between rural and urban communities in the country is through the deployment of mobile application to the agriculture sector that engages the mass of the people.

    Darwish who spoke against the backdrop of the firm’s sponsorship of a report by the Economist Intelligence Unit with Enabling a More Productive Nigeria: Powering SMEs as its title, said the launch of the report coincided with the World Economic Forum on Africa, which sets out the factors that empower small and medium enterprises (‘SMEs’) and looks to identify both what is driving growth as well as the issues that are holding them back.

    He said: “One way to lessen the urban-rural digital divide is to deepen the application of mobile to agriculture, the sector in which the majority of Nigeria’s rural dwellers work. Combined with improved mobile networks in rural regions, the penetration of ICT across wider geographies will significantly support favourable income distribution trends throughout the continent.

    “Many of us are interested in Nigeria’s future prosperity, yet little is known about the universe of Nigerian SMEs and the entrepreneurs behind them, particularly the obstacles and enablers of their growth.

    “This report recognises the efforts of government institutions in supporting SMEs but also importantly shines a light on the innovative thinking embedded in this vital part of Nigeria’s economy. It helps us all to understand what can be done to support their growth and drive their productivity.

    “The importance of mobile telecommunications and its role as a leapfrog technology is readily apparent from this study, affirming our belief that an enhanced mobile network materially contributes to the growth of both urban and rural businesses, with the potential to reduce societal inequality.

    “For IHS this report is fundamental to our business. Our belief is that the future economic and social development of Africa will be accelerated exponentially by mobile connectivity, and our team of over 2,000 engineers in five countries is focused on making this happen. We are committed to developing the communities we serve, and to help people and businesses across the region build a powerful, prosperous future.”

    He said the report looks at SME productivity across five categories – policy, transport, technology, energy and finance, combining SME interviews from across the country, with expert insights.

    According to him, the findings suggest that Nigeria’s government has supported SMEs by reducing the costs of registering a business and through the launch of SME-targeted funds, adding however that further attention should be given to the tax system because Nigerian SMEs are subject to complex and overlapping rules which need to be streamlined and simplified.

    In addition, import and customs charges are often unpredictable and costly, placing an additional burden on businesses, with no recourse available through official channels, he lamented.

    On infrastructure, the report explores how SMEs are being affected by mobile networks, transport and power deficits. While transport projects and power privatisation are underway, these will take time to deliver benefits. In the interim, SMEs are adopting innovative technologies – from solar panels to cloud computing. ICTs in particular are being used for remote work, mobile marketing and new product development such as apps and mobile services. The next technology productivity boost will come from strengthening ICT network quality across Nigeria’s territory.

  • Pedestrian punished for not using bridge

    Pedestrian punished for not using bridge

    For not using the overhead bridge at Ikeja along bus stop on Lagos-Agege Motor Road, some pedestrians were yesterday given corporal punishment.

    They were ordered to crawl on their knees by a Man ‘o’ War official.

    The Nation observed that one woman in native attire and two men served the punishment, crawling halfway down the pedestrian walkway by the bridge.

    The bridge was unusually busy as many used it to avoid the fate of the erring pedestrians. Some watched the scene below from the bridge.

    A commercial driver said a pedestrian was killed on Monday while crossing the road.

    “Why dem go dey cross the road? There is bridge. Car hit somebody yesterday when crossing the road. That is why they are punishing them,” he said.

    However, less than 50 metres away, at the nearby National bus stop, commuters crossed unchallenged from the Computer Village side to Conoil petrol station and vice versa. After Ikeja Along, there is no other pedestrian bridge until Oshodi.