By Oge Okonkwo
Minister directs immediate repair of stolen bridge
components and orders arrest of sand excavators near Second Niger Bridge
The Federal Government has ordered
the immediate installation of CCTV cameras and solar-powered streetlights on
the First Niger Bridge to prevent further vandalism and protect vital
components of the structure.
The Minister of Works, Engr Dave Umahi, gave the directive
on Thursday after inspecting sections of the bridge where vandals had removed
bolts, expansion joints and iron bars, holding together the bridge raising fresh concerns about the safety
of the ageing structure.
Umahi said the government was alerted to the damage after pictures
of the vandalised sections appeared on social media. He thanked members of the
public who drew attention to the problem, saying the discovery showed the need
for stronger protection of public infrastructure.
He was particularly concerned about bolts holding the bridge
together and an overhead steel bar that had been disconnected. According to
him, removing such components from a bridge under tension could create serious
structural problems and make repairs more difficult.
The minister therefore directed the Anambra State Controller
of Works, Engr Timothy Emenike, to buy the required bolts immediately and
ensure they were fitted without delay. He also ordered that welding work should
be carried out on Saturday.
Umahi said the government could not continue spending public
money to construct major infrastructure only for criminals to damage it
afterwards. He directed that the entire First Niger Bridge be covered by
surveillance cameras, with the system linked to the police and capable of
sending alerts to officials' phones.
Solar streetlights will also be installed to improve
visibility around the bridge at night. Umahi said the combination of lighting
and surveillance should make it easier to identify and arrest anyone attempting
to tamper with the structure.
He also addressed concerns over reports that the First Niger
Bridge was shaking. Umahi explained that movement was not, by itself, evidence
of structural failure, noting that bridges naturally experience movement
because of their bearings. He added that the bridge carries significant dead
load, partly because of the asphalt placed on it.
Maintenance work on the bridge will begin soon, with the
minister saying the structure would be closed at night while the repairs are
carried out. He also expressed frustration at having to repeatedly return to
deal with vandalism of federal infrastructure.
At the Second Niger Bridge, the minister confronted a
different danger. Erosion has eaten into part of the foundation area, creating
a hollow beneath sections of the bridge and potentially exposing motorists to
danger without their knowledge.
Umahi responded by ordering officials to arrest anyone found
excavating sand around the bridge. He told the relevant authorities not to wait
for permission before taking action, insisting that offenders should be
arrested first and reported afterwards.
The twin inspections therefore ended with two immediate
priorities: repair the damage already done and prevent further threats to the
bridges. For the Federal Government, protecting the structures now means
combining urgent maintenance with tighter security around them.
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