*Delta Commissioner Commends Pace, Quality Of Work
THE Minister of Works, David Umahi, said the First Niger Bridge will not be reopened to traffic until critical structural rehabilitation works on it are completed.
Recall that the Federal Government closed the bridge to traffic for emergency rehabilitation, following the discovery of vandalised structural components, including bolts, nuts and portions of the expansion-joint steelwork.
The closure was initially scheduled to end on September 21, but has been extended by one week because of persistent rainfall, which has slowed down the pace of work.
Speaking on Wednesday, September 23, at the Onitsha Bridge Head shortly after inspecting ongoing rehabilitation work on the bridge linking Anambra and Delta states, Umahi commended the contractor, SKECC, for the progress recorded, noting that the vandalised bolts had been replaced and secured, while the stolen specialised expansion joint had been manufactured and flown into the country for installation.
The minister commended the quality of work carried out within about 10 days, saying: “We are not going to be stampeded to open the bridge until the major structural work has been achieved.”
He directed the contractor to incorporate additional works into the rehabilitation, including the repainting of the bridge’s structural elements, caps and internal carriageway areas, and the removal of illegal advertisements mounted on the bridge.
Umahi also ordered the installation of additional solar-powered streetlights and completion of CCTV cameras installation on the bridge, with the surveillance system to be linked to the Second Niger Bridge.
He 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, with report submitted to him before the completion of the current phase of work.
On approaches to the bridge, he directed a review of the proposed use of asphalt, saying concrete should be used on sections that would subsequently undergo reconstruction.
This, the minister explained, would prevent government from spending money on asphalt only to destroy it later when the approaches are reconstructed.
Umahi said one carriageway could be opened after the concrete attained the required strength before work commences on the other.
Speaking on behalf of the governors of Delta and Anambra states, 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 issued directives for the replacement of vandalised bolts, nuts and expansion-joint component, has been implemented, while sections of the deteriorated asphaltic surface had also been scarified and replaced.
Aniagwu stated: “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.”
He said the rehabilitation had significantly improved the condition of the bridge and expressed confidence that the work would stand the test of time.
