By Michael Ovat -Awka
The Federal Government has postponed the reopening of the First Niger Bridge indefinitely, saying motorists will not be allowed back on the critical Anambra–Delta link until major structural rehabilitation works are completed.
Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, disclosed this on Wednesday at the Onitsha Bridge Head after inspecting the ongoing rehabilitation of the bridge.
Umahi did not announce a new reopening date, stressing that public safety would take precedence over pressure to restore traffic.
Engr. Dave Umahi, Minister of Works and other top officials and Contractors during inspection tour of the project
“We are not going to be stampeded to open the bridge until the major structural work has been achieved,” the minister said.
The bridge was closed by the Federal Government for emergency rehabilitation after the discovery of vandalised structural components, including bolts, nuts and sections of the expansion-joint steelwork.
The closure, which was initially expected to end on September 21, had already been extended by one week because of persistent rainfall. The latest directive means that the bridge will remain closed beyond the revised timeframe, with no definite reopening date announced.
Umahi commended the contractor, SKECC, for the progress made since the closure, noting that vandalised bolts had been replaced and secured.
He also disclosed that the specialised expansion joint stolen from the bridge had been manufactured and flown into the country for installation.
The minister said the quality of work completed within about 10 days was commendable but insisted that the remaining critical structural works must be completed before traffic is restored.
Umahi directed the contractor to incorporate additional works into the rehabilitation programme.
The directives include repainting the bridge’s structural elements, caps and internal carriageway areas, as well as removing illegal advertisements mounted on the bridge.
He also ordered the installation of additional solar-powered streetlights and completion of CCTV cameras on the bridge.
According to him, the surveillance system is to be linked to the Second Niger Bridge to strengthen monitoring and security around the facility.
The minister further directed that an empirical assessment be carried out on the bridge’s structural elements both above and below the water level.
He said the assessment would determine the current condition of the structure, with the report expected to be submitted to him before the completion of the ongoing phase of rehabilitation.
On the approaches to the bridge, Umahi ordered a review of the proposed use of asphalt, directing that concrete be used on sections that would eventually undergo reconstruction.
He explained that the measure would prevent government resources from being spent on asphalt that would later have to be removed during reconstruction.
“We don’t want government to spend money on asphalt only to destroy it later when the approaches are reconstructed,” Umahi said.
He added that one carriageway could be opened to traffic after the concrete attained the required strength, while work continued on the other carriageway.
Speaking on behalf of the governors of Delta and Anambra states, Delta State Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Mr 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 directives had been implemented, while sections of the deteriorated asphalt surface had also been scarified and replaced.
“We are pleased with the speed of work. We want to also appreciate our people who demonstrated a whole lot of patience to understand that you are after their safety,” Aniagwu said.
He said the rehabilitation had significantly improved the condition of the bridge and expressed confidence that the completed work would stand the test of time.
The indefinite postponement means motorists and other road users will have to continue using alternative routes until the Federal Government determines that the First Niger Bridge has been sufficiently rehabilitated and is safe for traffic.
In his appreciating remark, the Controller of Works in Anambra State, Engr. Timothy Emenike who conducted the minister round the work praised his tenacity, hard work and energy, which he said has led to the success of the project.
He commended the media for their continue support towards the socio-economic grow and development of Nigeria.
