The Federal Government has postponed the reopening of the First Niger Bridge in Onitsha, Anambra State, by one week, citing persistent rainfall and other challenges that have slowed ongoing rehabilitation work.
The bridge, which was temporarily closed on September 7 to allow contractors to carry out urgent maintenance, was initially scheduled to reopen on Monday, September 21.
However, the Acting Federal Controller of Works, Anambra Field Headquarters, Engr. Timothy Emenike, announced on Monday that the reopening had been shifted to September 28, subject to favourable weather conditions.
Emenike, who spoke with journalists in Anambra, explained that persistent rainfall had disrupted the rehabilitation work and washed away some portions of the repairs already carried out by the contractors.
He said the contractors had made significant progress and would have completed the work within the original timeframe but for the weather-related setbacks.
According to him, inadequate lighting at the bridge also affected efforts to work through the night, thereby slowing the pace of construction.
Emenike, however, said the lighting problem, as well as sanitation challenges around the project site, had been addressed.
He explained that contractors now require at least three consecutive days of dry weather to resume full-scale work and accelerate completion of the remaining repairs.
The Federal Controller appealed to motorists and commuters affected by the closure to remain patient, noting that the Federal Government was aware of the inconvenience caused by the extension.
He advised motorists to continue using the Second Niger Bridge as an alternative route pending the completion of the rehabilitation.
Emenike further disclosed that the repaired bridge would be inspected and approved by the Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi, before it is reopened to traffic.
The First Niger Bridge is a major transport link between Onitsha and Asaba and is heavily used by motorists travelling between the South-East and other parts of the country.
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