Urgent repairs needed for Marina Shoreline: N146bn funding gap identified

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Nigeria’s Minister of Works, David Umahi, has sounded the alarm on the deteriorating state of the Marina shoreline, calling for N146 billion in repairs to prevent further damage. This significant funding gap poses a potential threat to the Lagos Blue Rail Line and highlights the urgent need for infrastructure investment.

The Minister disclosed this information during a joint inspection of Lagos’ key bridges – Third Mainland, Carter, and Eko – alongside the Minister of Finance and Economy, Wale Edu. Their assessment revealed the concerning degradation of the Marina shoreline, which could endanger the pillars supporting the ongoing Blue Rail Line project.

Umahi said, “Though the shorelines require N146bn, however, only N1bn was available for the project in the budget.”

Despite the dire need for repairs, the current budget allocation falls woefully short, offering only N1 billion against the staggering N146 billion required. This significant gap raises concerns about the government’s capacity and commitment to addressing critical infrastructure challenges.

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Umahi also expressed satisfaction with the ongoing repair works on the top deck of the Third Mainland Bridge and said the repair would be completed and the bridge reopened to traffic by April.

“It is going to be a classic reinstated bridge by the time we finish. Contractors will begin work on the underdeck and lagoon sections of the Third Mainland and Carter Bridges next week.

“Advertisements for bids for facilities on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway are also set to begin within a week.”

The potential consequences of inaction are serious. Failure to repair the Marina shoreline could jeopardize the structural integrity of the Blue Rail Line, a much-anticipated public transportation project. Additionally, continued erosion could impact other vital infrastructure and coastal areas, leading to further economic and environmental damage.

Minister Umahi’s statement has brought renewed attention to the urgent need for investment in Nigeria’s infrastructure. It remains to be seen how the government will address the significant funding gap and ensure the timely repair of the Marina shoreline, safeguarding the Blue Rail Line and other critical assets.