The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has denied reports of a bridge collapse in Otuogori community, Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa State. According to NDDC Director, Bayelsa State Office, Engr. Godknows Alamieyeseigha, the bridge project is still under construction and has not reached the stage where it could collapse. An incident occurred at the construction site of the 600-metre Otuogori-Otuegwe Bridge, but the commission insists it was not a collapse.
Alamieyeseigha addressed journalists during an inspection of the project and described the reports as misleading. He explained that the construction company is still at the stage of crossing the beams and no bridge has been constructed yet. The incident, he said, is being assessed and the commission is confident that the construction company will address any issues identified and complete the project.
The NDDC Director emphasized that the commission's current board and management have prioritized quality assurance in project execution. NDDC engineers and independent consultants regularly inspect project sites across the region to ensure compliance with approved engineering designs and standards. Alamieyeseigha also assured that no bridge has collapsed in Bayelsa State or any of the nine Niger Delta states.
The Managing Director of the construction firm, Mr. Christian Emiezor, also spoke during the inspection. He explained that the project is still at the preparatory stage, with work focused on positioning the beams before the construction of the main bridge structure. According to him, the incident occurred during the launching of the beams, which were being positioned on their bearings.
Emiezor described the incident as a minor accident, explaining that a beam resting on a bearing but not yet secured could slide during the positioning process. He assured that safety measures at the site prevented casualties, adding that the good thing is that no life was lost. The construction firm is constructing a 600-metre bridge, but as Emiezor noted, what is visible is just preparations for the bridge.
The NDDC and the construction firm have urged the public to disregard the reports of a bridge collapse. The commission and the firm are working together to ensure that the project is completed to high standards. The incident has highlighted the importance of quality assurance and safety measures in project execution.
The Niger Delta region has seen significant investment in infrastructure development in recent years. The NDDC has been at the forefront of these efforts, with a focus on improving the quality of life for residents in the region. The Otuogori-Otuegwe Bridge project is just one example of the commission's efforts to develop the region's infrastructure.
Key points
- NDDC denies reports of bridge collapse in Bayelsa State, saying construction still at preparatory stage.
