By Julian Osamoto
The Federal Ministry of Works says the First Niger Bridge may reopen to traffic before the end of this week, barring unforeseen circumstances.
The Federal Controller of Works in Anambra State, Timothy Emenike, gave the assurance on Wednesday, saying major rehabilitation works on the bridge had been completed.
Emenike said the remaining activities include painting the bridge railings and completing some safety installations, including solar light poles.
He said the bridge had been tarred, while expansion bolts and other critical structural components had been fixed.
The bridge, which links Onitsha in Anambra State with Asaba in Delta State, was built in 1965.
It was closed to traffic from September 7 to allow emergency rehabilitation after the discovery of vandalised structural components, including parts of its expansion-joint steelwork.
The closure was initially scheduled to end on September 21 but was extended by one week due to persistent rainfall and other unforeseen circumstances.
During an inspection on September 23, the Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, said the government would not reopen the bridge until major structural rehabilitation works were completed.
The prolonged closure has forced motorists to use the Second Niger Bridge and alternative routes, resulting in longer travel times and increased transportation costs.
Emenike said reopening the bridge would ease pressure on motorists, commuters and businesses that depend on the route for movement between Anambra and Delta states.
He also dismissed reports that newly installed brick demarcations on the bridge had been removed or destroyed.
According to him, the demarcations remain in place, with openings provided only at designated points to allow emergency U-turns.
Emenike urged the public to disregard what he described as fake photographs being circulated on social media to misrepresent the condition of the bridge.
The ministry is expected to confirm the reopening date after the remaining finishing and safety works are completed.
