ONITSHA: The Federal Government has ordered the immediate installation of closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras on the First Niger Bridge in Onitsha, Anambra State, following the vandalisation and theft of critical components of the structure.
Minister of Works, Engr. Dave Umahi, issued the directive on Thursday during an inspection of the bridge after videos showing the alleged vandalisation of parts of the infrastructure surfaced on social media.
Umahi expressed concern over the removal of bolts, expansion joints, iron bars and other essential components, warning that continued vandalism could endanger motorists and compromise the safety of the bridge.
The minister said the Federal Government became aware of the situation after members of the public drew attention to the damage through social media.“We saw this vandalism on social media. We want to thank members of the public for bringing this to our attention,” Umahi said.
He explained that some of the stolen bolts were critical structural components holding sections of the bridge together, while an overhead steel bar had also been disconnected.
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,” he added.
According to the minister, repairing some of the affected portions could be technically challenging because of the tension within the bridge structure. He nevertheless ordered officials to begin emergency repairs and replace all missing components without delay.
Umahi directed that CCTV cameras should be installed across the entire bridge to monitor activities and assist security agencies in identifying and arresting vandals.
“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,” he said.
The minister also ordered the restoration of the bridge’s solar-powered streetlights and directed that the CCTV system be linked to relevant government officials and the police for effective monitoring.
He instructed the Controller of Works in Anambra State, Engr. Timothy Emenike, to immediately procure the required bolts and commence repairs.
Buy the bolt tomorrow and fix them and let the welding take place on Saturday. As I will go to rest after this inspection, you will not rest until you fix these problems,” Umahi told the official.
The minister further announced that maintenance work would commence on the First Niger Bridge, with the structure expected to be closed at night while repair activities are carried out.
Umahi also addressed reports that the bridge had been shaking, explaining that some degree of movement is normal because of the bearings incorporated into bridge designs.
“People have said the bridge is shaking, but that is because of the bearing and every bridge shakes,” he said.
He added that the bridge carries substantial dead load because of the asphalt on its deck.
During the inspection, the minister also visited the Second Niger Bridge, where he identified sand excavation and erosion around the structure as potential threats to the infrastructure and road users.
Umahi directed security and relevant government officials to arrest anyone found excavating sand around the bridge.
I don’t want to know who they are. Once you find anyone excavating sand around this area, you must arrest them before you contact us. Don’t just report to us; arrest them before you contact us, he ordered.
The directive comes as the Federal Government intensifies efforts to protect major bridge infrastructure and prevent vandalism and other activities capable of undermining public investments in critical transportation infrastructure.
The First Niger Bridge remains a major transportation link connecting communities and facilitating movement between the South-East and other parts of Nigeria.
