FEDERAL GOVERNMENT SET TO REOPEN FIRST NIGER BRIDGE AFTER REHABILITATION

The Federal Ministry of Works has assured commuters and motorists that the First Niger Bridge could be reopened before the end of the week, following the completion of all major construction works.

The Federal Controller of Works, Anambra State Field Headquarters, TIMOTHY EMENIKE, disclosed this in an interview.

Recall that the bridge was shut to traffic from September 7 to 21 following the discovery of vandalised structural components, including its expansion-joint steelwork, but the closure was extended by one week due to persistent rainfall and other unforeseen circumstances.

Earlier, the Minister of Works, DAVE UMAHI, had maintained during an inspection on September 23 that the bridge would remain closed until critical structural rehabilitation works were completed, stressing that the Federal Government would not be pressured into reopening it before the major structural work was completed.