According to Senator David Umahi, Minister of Works, the First Niger Bridge won’t reopen until the significant structural rehabilitation projects are finished. On Wednesday, Umahi gave a speech at the Onitsha Bridge Head.
He had come to examine the bridge’s ongoing renovation efforts.
Umahi emphasised that unless crucial structural elements designated for rehabilitation have been appropriately fixed, the Federal Government will not be coerced into restoring the bridge.
“Until the major structural work is completed, we will not be rushed to open the bridge,” stated Umahi.
After bolts, nuts, and parts of the First Niger Bridge’s expansion-joint steelwork were found to be vandalised, the bridge was closed to traffic for emergency rehabilitation.
Due to ongoing rainfall that is interfering with the rehabilitation work, the closure, which was originally set to conclude on September 21, has been prolonged by one week.