The federal government has announced that the First Niger Bridge, which connects Anambra and Delta States, is slated to reopen to traffic next week, pending the completion of major rehabilitation works. Minister of Works, David Umahi, made this statement after inspecting the ongoing repairs at the Onitsha Bridge Head on Wednesday. The bridge was closed earlier this month due to vandalism that compromised its structural integrity.
The closure, initially set to end on September 21, was extended by one week due to persistent rainfall that disrupted the rehabilitation work. A new reopening date of September 28 was set, contingent on favourable weather and completion of the repairs. According to Umahi, the contractor, SKECC, has made considerable progress, including replacing and securing the vandalised bolts. The minister noted that the specialised expansion joint removed by vandals has been manufactured and flown into the country for installation.
Umahi emphasised that the bridge will not be reopened until the necessary structural repairs have been satisfactorily completed. He stated that the government will not be pressured into opening the bridge prematurely, ensuring that all major structural work is achieved. The minister also directed the contractor to carry out additional work, including repainting structural components, caps, and internal carriageway sections. Furthermore, he ordered the removal of illegal advertisements mounted on the facility.
In addition to the rehabilitation works, Umahi directed the installation of additional solar-powered streetlights and the completion of CCTV cameras on the bridge. The surveillance system will be connected to the Second Niger Bridge, enhancing security and monitoring capabilities. The minister also ordered an empirical assessment of the bridge's structural elements above and below the water level to determine their condition, with the assessment report to be submitted before the current phase of rehabilitation is concluded.
The rehabilitation works also extend to the approach roads, where Umahi directed a review of the proposed asphalt works. He suggested using concrete on sections that are likely to be reconstructed in the future, preventing public funds from being spent on asphalt that could later be removed. The minister added that one carriageway could be opened once the concrete attained the required strength, allowing for continued rehabilitation work on the other carriageway.
Delta State Commissioner for Works, Rural Roads and Public Information, Charles Aniagwu, commended the Federal Government for the pace and quality of the rehabilitation works. He recalled that Umahi had inspected the bridge on August 28 and directed the replacement of the vandalised bolts, nuts, and expansion-joint components. Aniagwu expressed appreciation for the patience of the people, who understood that the rehabilitation works were necessary for their safety.
The successful completion of the rehabilitation works and the impending reopening of the First Niger Bridge are expected to alleviate traffic congestion and enhance connectivity between Anambra and Delta States. The Federal Government's efforts to restore the bridge's structural integrity and ensure its safe operation have been praised by stakeholders, including Aniagwu. The bridge's reopening is anticipated to have a positive impact on the region's economy and transportation network.
Key points
- The First Niger Bridge is expected to reopen next week, pending completion of major rehabilitation works.
- The bridge was closed due to vandalism that compromised its structural integrity.
- The rehabilitation works include replacement of vandalised components, installation of new expansion joints, and additional safety features.
