As part of its drives to ensure the successful execution of the proposed Fourth Mainland Bridge, estimated to worth $2.2 billion, the Lagos State Government has commenced stakeholders meeting on the Environment and Social Impact Assessments, EIA.
Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, speaking at the forum on Tuesday, said that the stakeholders engagement and consultation on EIA being held was a precursor to the third step, which he revealed would involve issuing a Request for Proposal (RfP) to the six consortia that would be required to present their respective financial proposals and methodologies for carrying out the project.
This, according to the governor, would be concluded with the selection of the preferred bidder and two reserved bidders.
The governor, who was represented by his Deputy, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, said the stakeholders meeting was organised to open the project to further inputs, comments, ideas and observations for incorporation into the ongoing social and environmental impact assessment.
Sanwo-Olu said he believed that the meeting would boost the acceptability and implementation ratings of the proposed bridge in line with global best practices.
The governor assured them that their comments and advice would be given due consideration as they will be beneficial and assist in the finalisation of the ongoing procurement process.
Sanwo-Olu recalled that in October 2019, the process for the construction of the 4th Mainland Bridge was reactivated with the development of a six-step process that would lead to the selection of a suitable concessionaire in line with global best practice.
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He also stated that the state government, in its bid to underscore the importance of sustaining the existing synergy among the various agencies of government and the Organised Private Sector, appointed a dedicated advisory team, comprising KPMG Nigeria (financial), Olaniwun Ajayi (legal) and AEC-Rendel (technical) with the task to collectively advise government, on the step by step process towards selecting a consortium to deliver the project.
The stakeholders’ meeting had in attendance the project designers, Advanced Engineering Consultants, AEC/Rendel, Sustainability Limited, Har Darsa, representative of Minister of Work and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Fashola; Minister of State for Environment, Mrs. Sharon Ikeazor, represented by Oluwatoyin Agbenla; Commissioner for Works in Ogun State, Ade Akinsanya; Commissioner for Physical Planning in Lagos State, Dr Idris Salako, policymakers, and people from Ikorodu communities.
