Heavy Rain Delays 1st Niger Bridge Repairs, Completion Extended by a Week

By Cyprian Ebele, Onitsha

The ongoing maintenance work on the First Niger Bridge linking Onitsha in Anambra State with Asaba, Delta State, has suffered a further setback following persistent heavy rainfall in the area.

The two-week timeline initially scheduled for the maintenance of the bridge has consequently been extended by an additional one week, subject to favourable weather conditions.

The Anambra State Controller of Works, Timothy Emenike, disclosed this to journalists on Monday, explaining that the prolonged downpour had disrupted activities at the project site.

According to him, some portions of the bridge affected by the rainfall require at least three consecutive dry days before workers can safely return to site and continue with the maintenance work.

Emenike said the adverse weather conditions had made it difficult for the contractor to sustain operations, adding that the safety of workers and equipment remained a major consideration.

He said, “We have actually done a lot of work on most portions of the bridge, but with the constant heavy rains for almost one week, some areas have been affected and need at least three dry days for us to return to site.

“So, in view of what is on the ground, we have extended the date for the completion of the project by one week, depending on the weather. For now, we pray that we shall have three dry days for us to return to site.”

The Controller also cited inadequate lighting as another challenge that had affected the possibility of carrying out some operations at night, noting that adequate security for workers and equipment had to be guaranteed before night operations could continue.

He, however, said the lighting challenge had now been addressed, while sanitation-related issues around the bridge had also received attention.

Emenike assured road users and other stakeholders that efforts would continue to ensure the maintenance work was completed as soon as weather conditions permitted.

He further disclosed that the Minister of Works, David Umahi, would undertake another inspection of the bridge after the completion of the maintenance exercise to assess the work and determine the next step towards reopening the bridge to traffic.

The First Niger Bridge was earlier closed to vehicular traffic for the scheduled two-week maintenance exercise, with the intervention aimed at addressing critical defects and improving the condition of the strategic link between Anambra and Delta states.

The extension of the maintenance period is expected to prolong the temporary traffic arrangements around the bridge until the rehabilitation works are completed and the necessary approval for reopening is given.