By Yinka Olumide
Lagos State Government has shortlisted three multinational companies bidding for the construction of a $2.5 billion fourth mainland bridge.
The shortlisted bidders are Mota-Engil (Nigeria and Africa) CCCC and CRBC Consort; CGGC-CGC joint venture; and CCECC and CRCCIG Consortium.
According to the Special Adviser to the Governor on Public-Private Partnerships (PPP), Ope George, the Fourth Mainland Bridge was a proposed PPP transport infrastructure development that includes the construction and operation of a greenfield tolled road and bridge with a design speed of 120kph, including the development of adjacent real estates.
It could be recalled that Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, earlier announced that construction on the fourth mainland bridge will begin as soon as a preferred bidder is announced.
The construction of the Fourth Mainland Bridge will be strategic in easing traffic in the most populous state in Nigeria. It is estimated that Lagos state has a population of almost 25 million.
Sunrise News notes that after completion, the bridge has the potential to open new phase of investment opportunities to Lagos State. Already, Lagos has the largest economy in Nigeria and the fifth largest in Africa.
The idea of a fourth mainland bridge to complement and ease traffic on the third mainland bridge was built by the former military president, Ibrahim Babangida.
The fourth Mainland Bridge was conceptualised during the administration of former governor Asiwaju Bola Tinubu.
Although the construction had been planned to commence in 2017, nothing was done until now.
George added that the bridge is expected to become the second longest in Africa, featuring three toll plazas, nine interchanges, a 4.5km lagoon bridge, and an eco-friendly environment.
“The fourth mainland bridge which will span about 34 kilometres is projected to start from Abraham Adesanya in Ajah, on the Eti-Osa-Lekki-Epe corridor and transverse the north-west towards the lagoon shoreline of the Lagos-Ibadan expressway via Owutu/Isawo in Ikorodu,” he said.
He concluded that the preferred bidder would be announced before the end of the year.