First Niger Bridge: Umahi Refuses To Reopen Bridge Until Critical Repairs Are Completed
By Chibuzo Obidike |Ichie Times
For thousands of motorists waiting anxiously to return to the First Niger Bridge, the wait continues as the Federal Government insists that the bridge will not reopen until critical rehabilitation works are completed.
Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, stated this shortly after inspecting the ongoing rehabilitation at the Onitsha Bridge Head, stressing that safety would not be compromised simply to meet a reopening date.
Umahi said persistent rainfall had forced the extension of the repair work by one week, with the bridge now expected to reopen on September 28, subject to favourable weather conditions and completion of the outstanding works.
The bridge was closed after inspections revealed vandalised critical components, including bolts, nuts and parts of the expansion joint steelwork. Umahi said the vandalised bolts had been replaced and secured, while the specialised expansion joint that was stolen had been manufactured and brought into the country for installation.
Beyond the immediate repairs, Umahi directed the contractor to repaint the structural elements of the bridge, install additional solar powered streetlights and complete CCTV cameras that will be linked to the surveillance system on the Second Niger Bridge. He also ordered a detailed assessment of the bridge above and below the water level to determine the condition of its structural elements.
For motorists such as Stella James and Mr Chukwuebuka Ngwu, who depend on the Onitsha Asaba corridor, the extended closure has meant longer journeys, increased transport costs and continued reliance on alternative routes. They, however, commended the Federal Government for the ongoing infrastructure work in the South East, particularly the rehabilitation of the Niger Bridge.
Speaking on behalf of the Governors of Anambra and Delta States, Delta Commissioner for Works, Rural Roads and Public Information, Charles Aniagwu, commended the pace of the rehabilitation and appealed to road users to remain patient.
For now, the message from the Works Ministry remains clear: the First Niger Bridge will not reopen simply because the calendar says it should. The critical structural work must first be completed and the bridge made safe for motorists.
