Precious Nwonu, Enugu
The Federal Government has announced plans to reopen the First Niger Bridge to motorists next week following the completion of major rehabilitation works on the bridge connecting Anambra and Delta states.
The Minister of Works, David Umahi, gave the assurance on Wednesday after inspecting the repair works at the Onitsha Bridge Head.
The bridge was shut earlier in September after vandals reportedly removed critical components, including bolts, nuts and sections of the steelwork forming part of the expansion joint.
The closure was initially scheduled to last until September 21 but was extended by another week due to persistent rainfall, which disrupted repair activities.
Umahi said the contractor, SKECC, had made considerable progress on the rehabilitation, adding that the vandalised bolts had been replaced and firmly secured.
He also disclosed that the specialised expansion joint removed from the bridge had been manufactured and transported to Nigeria for installation.
The minister said the progress recorded within about 10 days was encouraging but stressed that the bridge would only be reopened after the necessary structural works had been completed.
“We are not going to be stampeded to open the bridge until the major structural work has been achieved,” Umahi said.
He directed the contractor to carry out additional improvements, including repainting structural components, bridge caps and sections within the carriageway.
The minister also ordered the removal of unauthorised advertisements mounted on the bridge and directed the installation of additional solar-powered streetlights.
He further instructed the contractor to complete the installation of CCTV cameras, with the surveillance system to be connected to the Second Niger Bridge to strengthen monitoring and security around the facility.
Umahi also ordered a comprehensive assessment of the bridge’s structural components, including elements above and below the water level.
According to him, the assessment report must be submitted before the current rehabilitation phase is brought to an end.
The minister also directed a review of the proposed asphalt works on the bridge approaches, saying concrete should be used on portions that would require future reconstruction.
He explained that the measure would prevent government resources from being wasted on asphalt that might later have to be removed when reconstruction works commence.
Umahi added that one carriageway could be opened to traffic once the concrete achieved the required strength, while rehabilitation work continued on the other carriageway.
Meanwhile, the Delta State Commissioner for Works, Rural Roads and Public Information, Charles Aniagwu, commended the Federal Government for the pace and quality of the rehabilitation.
Aniagwu recalled that Umahi had inspected the bridge on August 28 and directed the immediate replacement of the vandalised bolts, nuts and expansion-joint components.
He said the contractor had complied with the directives, while damaged sections of the asphalt surface had also been removed and replaced.
“We are pleased with the speed of work. We also appreciate our people who demonstrated a whole lot of patience to understand that you are after their safety,” Aniagwu said.
The commissioner said the rehabilitation had significantly improved the condition of the bridge and expressed confidence in the quality and durability of the repairs.
He also commended motorists and other road users for their cooperation during the closure, saying their patience had contributed to the smooth execution of the rehabilitation works.
