Motorists Demand Urgent Repair of Second Niger Bridge Link Road

By Oggorchukwu Oranu

Motorists and other road users along the Onitsha Asaba route have called for urgent repairs of the Harbour Industrial Layout bypass linking the Second Niger Bridge, following severe traffic congestion and vehicle breakdowns on the route.

The road users said repairing the bypass would ease the pressure created by the temporary closure of the First Niger Bridge and reduce damage to vehicles using the alternative route.

Speaking to ABS, commercial bus drivers Mr. Obinna Ogbaga and Mr. Uchechukwu Simon Dike, passenger Mrs. Agartha Nwabikwu and trader Mr. Chukwuma Ezenwankwo described the Harbour Industrial Layout link road as an important shortcut to the Second Niger Bridge.

They acknowledged the need for the ongoing maintenance of the First Niger Bridge but appealed to the authorities to ensure that alternative routes are put in good condition before major traffic diversions.

The motorists said the deplorable condition of the bypass was worsening the traffic situation, while pleading with the government to prioritise its rehabilitation.

Reacting to the concerns, the Acting Federal Controller of Works in Anambra State, Engineer Timothy Emenike, and the State Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Architect Okey Ezeobi, assured motorists that repair work on the affected portion would commence and be completed before the end of the day.

They appealed to road users to bear the temporary inconvenience associated with the intervention, stressing that the repairs are necessary to improve traffic flow and ease movement along the corridor.

During an inspection of the route, ABS observed several vehicles that had broken down along the bypass, while heavy gridlock persisted at a particularly bad section of the road.

Frustrated drivers and passengers were also seen expressing concern over the worsening traffic situation as motorists struggled to navigate the damaged portion of the road.