The Federal Government has raised alarm over the activities of vandals on the superstructure of the 2nd Niger Bridge.
Minister of Works, Engineer David Umahi, announced that he had received a report on the destruction of the expansion joints used to absorb the thermal expansions of the Bridge.
Umahi expressed deep shock that reports of vandalization are still being recorded despite the presence of the private security outfit deployed by the Federal Ministry of Works to man the area.
This was contained in a statement signed by the minister’s Special Adviser (Media), Barr. Orji Uchenna Orji, in Abuja, yesterday.
He said, “The 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.
Orji quoted his principal as saying, “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.”
According to him, “The 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.
He, however said, “…But it is heartrending that the facilities are being vandalized by those who are meant to own the benefits it serves.”
Orji also said, “The Minister appreciates the public for the zeal of their concerns, particularly the patriotic young Nigerian who raised the desired alarm that trended widely in media platforms, and he assures the public that a more formidable security architecture is being activated to forestall further havoc on the facilities, while a technical team has been directed to inspect, evaluate and reinstate the damaged parts of the superstructure.
“He enjoins 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.
The ministry also promised to handsomely reward any person or group that effects the arrest or gives useful information on the identity of perpetrators of vandalization of facilities on the 2nd Niger or any of our road infrastructure nationwide.
The federal government appealed to states and communities where such projects are located to take ownership and contribute their quota to safeguarding them.