Minister of Works Dave Umahi orders immediate repairs and surveillance upgrades after vandals remove critical bridge components.
The Federal Government has ordered the installation of closed-circuit television cameras on the First Niger Bridge in Onitsha, Anambra State, following reports of vandalism and theft of vital components that could pose a serious safety risk to motorists .
Minister of Works, Engr. Dave Umahi, gave the directive on Thursday during an inspection of the bridge after videos showing the vandalisation of parts of the structure circulated on social media . The minister expressed concern over the removal of bolts, expansion joints, iron bars and other critical components holding the bridge together .
“We saw this vandalism on social media. We want to thank members of the public for bringing this to our attention,” the minister said . He added: “The bolts holding this bridge have been vandalised and stolen, including the overhead steel bar which has been disconnected, and that is even more dangerous. This will be very difficult to refix because the bridge is under tension” .
CDA News Nigeria gathered that Umahi directed the Controller of Works in Anambra State, Engr. Timothy Emenike, to procure replacement bolts and begin repairs immediately . He also ordered the restoration of the bridge’s solar streetlights and insisted the new CCTV system be connected to relevant officials and the police for real-time monitoring .
“The Federal Government cannot build bridges for the people, and vandals will continue to destroy them. Henceforth, the entire bridge will be fitted with cameras to ensure that these vandals are arrested,” Umahi declared . The minister announced that maintenance work would commence on the bridge and that it would be closed at night during the repairs .
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