The Minister of Works, David Umahi, has called on the Anambra and Delta State governments to intensify surveillance of scrap dealers to curb the vandalism of critical infrastructure.
Umahi made the call on Wednesday while inspecting rehabilitation work on the First Niger Bridge at the Onitsha end of the bridge.
The minister expressed concern over the removal of structural components, including bolts, nuts and parts of the expansion joints, saying the damage had imposed significant costs on the Federal Government.
He said the two state governments would be formally contacted to strengthen monitoring of scrap markets and prevent stolen infrastructure components from being traded.
«“We will write to the governors of Anambra and Delta states to tell them to monitor the scrap market closely,” Umahi said.»
He urged residents to support efforts to protect the bridge by reporting suspicious activities to security agencies.
According to him, the bridge was temporarily closed to traffic from September 7 for emergency repairs after vandalised structural components were discovered.
The reopening date, initially fixed for September 21, was shifted by another week because of rainfall that slowed the rehabilitation work.
Umahi said the damaged bolts had been replaced and the specialised expansion joints had been manufactured and brought into the country for installation.
He said the rehabilitation also involved the installation of CCTV cameras and streetlights, as well as work on the asphalt, carriageway and walkways.
The minister said the bridge would not be reopened until the necessary structural work was completed.
«“We won’t be stampeded into opening the bridge until the basic things are done,” he said.»
Umahi also directed the removal of illegal advertising structures on the bridge and called for additional solar lights to be installed.
He further ordered that the CCTV system be completed and linked to the Second Niger Bridge.
On sand dredging, the minister reiterated the prohibition of dredging activities close to bridges, warning that such activities could undermine their structural integrity.
He said he had directed the preparation of a communication to security and relevant government authorities seeking a nationwide restriction on sand dredging within 10 kilometres of bridges.
Umahi also called for the removal of security checkpoints within 200 metres of the First Niger Bridge, arguing that the resulting traffic could increase pressure on the structure.
Speaking on behalf of the Anambra and Delta State governments, Delta State Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Charles Aniagwu, commended the Federal Government for intervening in the rehabilitation.
«“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.»
The Controller of Works in Anambra State, Timothy Emenike, who took the minister around the rehabilitation site, also commended the progress of the project.
The First Niger Bridge links Onitsha in Anambra State with Asaba in Delta State and is an important transport route connecting the South-East with other parts of the country.
