Maintenance work on the First River Niger Bridge has been extended by one week due to persistent heavy rainfall across Anambra State.
The Federal Government had earlier closed the bridge to traffic to allow contractors to carry out maintenance work on the aging structure, with the initial closure scheduled to last for two weeks.
The contractor had previously raised concerns over inadequate lighting and poor sanitation around the bridge, saying the challenges were affecting night operations and posing security concerns for workers and construction materials.
However, the maintenance work has been further disrupted by heavy rainfall, which has persisted across the state for almost a week.
When reporters visited the bridge on Monday morning during another heavy downpour, workers were unable to commence operations. Some sections that had already been worked on were also reportedly affected by the continuous rainfall.
The Controller of Works, Engr. Timothy Emenike, who spoke to reporters in Onitsha, said the impact of the rainfall meant that the workers needed at least three consecutive dry days before they could effectively return to work.
He said the completion date had consequently been extended by one week, subject to favourable weather conditions.
“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 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,” Emenike said.
Emenike, however, disclosed that after the maintenance work is completed, the Minister of Works, Engr. Dave Umahi, would conduct another inspection of the bridge before approval is given for its reopening.
He also said the challenge of inadequate lighting for night operations had been addressed, while the sanitation problems around the bridge had also been resolved.
