By Emezina Patricia
The Federal Government has stepped up measures to protect the First Niger Bridge against vandalism as rehabilitation works near completion ahead of its planned reopening to motorists.
Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, announced the measures during an inspection of the ongoing rehabilitation works at the Onitsha end of the bridge in Anambra State.
Umahi expressed concern over the vandalism of critical bridge components, including bolts, nuts and expansion joints, which had necessitated additional government expenditure to replace the damaged infrastructure.
He urged the Governors of Anambra and Delta States to strengthen monitoring of scrap markets and ensure that activities in the sector do not provide avenues for the destruction of public infrastructure.
The Minister also appealed to residents to remain vigilant and report suspected acts of vandalism to security agencies, stressing that the protection of critical infrastructure requires collective responsibility.
As part of the enhanced security measures, Umahi directed the completion of CCTV installation around the bridge and its linkage with the Second Niger Bridge, alongside the provision of additional solar-powered streetlights.
He also reiterated the Federal Government’s ban on illegal sand dredging around bridges, noting that such activities could pose risks to bridge infrastructure and public safety.
Umahi disclosed that vandalised bolts had been replaced and secured, while the specialised expansion joints had been manufactured, brought into the country and installed.
The Minister assured motorists that the First Niger Bridge is expected to reopen next week after the completion of the remaining rehabilitation works, following its closure on September 7.
Patricia is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State.
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