By Alice Etuka, Abuja
Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi has condemned in strong terms the ruthless activities of vandals on the superstructure of the 2nd Niger Bridge, particularly the destruction of the expansion joints used to absorb the thermal expansions of the 2nd Niger Bridge.
Spokesperson to the Minister, Barr. Orji Uchenna disclosed this in a statement issued on Tuesday, June 4, 2024.
According to the statement, Umahi expressed deep shock that reports of vandalisation were still being recorded despite the presence of private security outfit deployed by the Federal Ministry of Works to man the area.
The statement read in part:
“The Honourable Minister condemns in the strongest terms this ruthless destruction of the expansion joints as a deliberate act of sabotage on a key national infrastructure that has immense socio-economic benefits to the contiguous States and indeed the entire Nation.
“‘It is saddening that a human being with the right senses could destroy such a critical and strategic treasure that catalyses Nigeria’s socio-economic advancement’.
“The Honourable Minister notes that the 2nd Niger Bridge which was handed over to the Renewed Hope administration on 12th December 2023, after its completion, is one of the PIDF projects intended to bridge the gap in the road infrastructure yearnings of the people of the area and boost economic activities by expanding access into the southern part of Nigeria, creating vistas of tourism and trade opportunities and improving road safety along the corridor.
‘”But it is heartrending that the facilities are being vandalized by those who are meant to own the benefits it serves'”.
The Minister therefore appreciated those who raised alarm about the vandalisation and assured the public that a more formidable security architecture would be activated to forestall further havoc on the facilities, while a technical team had been directed to inspect, evaluate and reinstate the damaged parts of the superstructure.
Umahi further enjoined all road users, residents and authorities within the 1.6km concrete box girder bridge of the 2nd Niger Bridge, the two secondary bridges of 21.7m each on Amakon village road, the cloverleaf interchange at Onitsha-Owerri road and the approach roads between Asaba, Delta State and Onitsha, Anambra State, to help keep watch against persons who vandalize, attempt to vandalize or tamper with the road infrastructure facilities on the project, and arrest or report such persons to the nearest police station.
