The Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, has assured that the First Niger Bridge will not be reopened to traffic until critical structural rehabilitation works on the facility are completed. He made this statement on Wednesday at the Onitsha Bridge Head, after inspecting the ongoing rehabilitation of the bridge that connects Anambra and Delta states. The bridge was closed to traffic for emergency rehabilitation due to vandalised structural components.
The Federal Government had initially scheduled the closure to end on September 21, but it has been extended by one week because of persistent rainfall. Umahi commended the contractor, SKECC, for the progress recorded, stating that the vandalised bolts had been replaced and secured, while the specialised expansion joint that was stolen had been manufactured and flown into the country for installation. He expressed satisfaction with the quality of work carried out within about 10 days.
Umahi directed the contractor to incorporate additional works into the rehabilitation, including the repainting of the bridge's structural elements, caps and internal carriageway areas, as well as the removal of illegal advertisements mounted on the bridge. He also ordered the installation of additional solar-powered streetlights and the completion of CCTV cameras on the bridge, with the surveillance system to be linked to the Second Niger Bridge.
The minister further directed that an empirical assessment be conducted on the structural elements below and above the water level to determine the condition of the bridge. He expected the report to be submitted to him before the completion of the current phase of work. This assessment aims to ensure the bridge's safety and durability.
On the approaches to the bridge, Umahi directed a review of the proposed use of asphalt, saying concrete should be used on sections that would subsequently undergo reconstruction. He explained that using concrete would prevent government from spending money on asphalt only to destroy it later when the approaches are reconstructed.
Delta State Commissioner for Works, Mr Charles Aniagwu, speaking on behalf of the governors of Delta and Anambra states, commended the Federal Government for the pace and quality of the rehabilitation. He recalled that Umahi had inspected the bridge on August 28 and issued directives for the replacement of vandalised bolts, nuts and expansion-joint components.
Aniagwu expressed confidence that the rehabilitation work would stand the test of time, significantly improving the condition of the bridge. He appreciated the patience of the people, who understood that the government was working to ensure their safety. The rehabilitation of the First Niger Bridge is expected to be completed soon, with the minister ensuring that safety remains the top priority.
Key points
- The Federal Government has extended the closure of the First Niger Bridge by one week due to persistent rainfall.
- The Works Minister, Senator David Umahi, has directed the contractor to incorporate additional works into the rehabilitation, including repainting and installation of solar-powered streetlights.
- An empirical assessment of the bridge's structural elements will be conducted to determine its condition before the completion of the current phase of work.
