Deutsche Bank indicates interest to fund Carter, 3rd Mainland Bridges, Lagos-Calabar Coastal highway projects
2 min read
By Chris Ochayi
The Federal Government has opened talks with the Deutsche Bank aimed to finance and accelerate construction of large-scale road infrastructure across the country.
This development was a fall out of meeting held between the Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi and the officials of Deutsche Bank at Ministry’s headquarters on Tuesday in Abuja.
The team from Deutsche bank at the meeting includes the Managing Director, Global Co-Head of Structured Trade and Export Finance, Moritz Dornemann and the bank’s Chief Country Representative Nigeria, Andreas Voss.
In their mission statement, they said they came to indicate interest in the funding of the replacement of Carter Bridge, Lagos and the rehabilitation of 3rd Mainland Bridge,Lagos.
They commended the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, *His Excellency Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR,* for his commitment to the development of large scale and quality road infrastructure across the nation which they noted was critical in achieving sustainable economic growth and national prosperity.
They commended Hitech Construction Nig Ltd for the quality of work on the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project and assured that with the success recorded on the project, the Deutsche Bank was confident in the prospects of the Renewed Hope Agenda on the road network development and would be interested in further funding of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project.
They commended the Federal Ministry of Works for their effectiveness and efficiency in the delivery of the project and other ongoing legacy projects across the nation and expressed willingness to fund successful bidders of the project.
In his response, the Minister of Works commended the team for their commitment to the funding of Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project which he said was over subscribed by over 100m Dollars and thanked them for their interest in the evaluation of the cost of the project which they said was even undervalued.
He stated that Carter Bridge was so badly damaged that it needed a replacement and noted that the bridge was undergoing remedial works to sustain its integrity pending when a replacement is carried out.
He further stated that the underwater elements of 3rd Mainland Bridge have severe defects, noting that although the bridge would not be replaced, there would be a comprehensive repair of the underwater elements to retain its sustainability for another 50 years.
He assured them that the two projects are undergoing a very unbiased procurement process, and they would be carried along as soon as successful bidders emerge.
