The federal government has set a new deadline of July 15 to complete repairs and reopen Eko and Apongbon bridges to traffic.

The federal controller of works in Lagos, Olukorede Kesha, gave a hint in a Tuesday interview after a meeting with the contractors on the project.

Ms Kesha, rising from the meeting with Buildwell Plants and Equipment Industries Ltd, contractors handling both projects, said the firm gave expert advice on the need to complete some critical aspects.

She said some underlying repairs must be completed before reopening to ensure the infrastructure’s durability while appealing for the patience and understanding of road users.

“We had an extensive meeting today, so we all agreed that we will open the two bridges finally mid-July,” Ms Kesha said. “We are doing everything possible to ensure that the contractor finishes on or before July 15.”

The bridges were razed by fire caused by human activities in 2022.

Apongbon bridge was affected by fire in March 2022, and efforts for its December completion were stalled by another fire that affected the Ijora Olopa section of the Eko Bridge on November 4.

The delivery date for the Apongbon bridge was extended to May 2023 because some materials for its repairs were used to start the emergency repair of the Ijora Olopa section.

The 4.1km Eko bridge links Lagos Island with the Mainland. It directly links Apongbon on the Island side. The Eko bridge had been undergoing phased rehabilitation, but the contract for its comprehensive maintenance was awarded in February 2022.

(NAN)