FG can’t watch Niger bridge collapse – Fashola

The Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Babatunde Raji Fashola (SAN) has said that the President Muhammadu Buhari  administration cannot fold its hands and watch the Niger Bridge, which was built in the 1950s, to collapse. Fashola stated this while inspecting ongoing repairs and maintenance works on the Niger Bridge, adding that the Federal Government […]

The Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Babatunde Raji Fashola (SAN) has said that the President Muhammadu Buhari  administration cannot fold its hands and watch the Niger Bridge, which was built in the 1950s, to collapse.

Fashola stated this while inspecting ongoing repairs and maintenance works on the Niger Bridge, adding that the Federal Government was mindful of the fact that the bridge remains the vital East-West link which has enhanced both socio-political and economic activities in the country, and as such, should not be allowed to collapse.

The minister,  who was represented by the Director, Highways, (Bridges and Design), Engineer Adetokunbo Sogbesan disclosed that government has rekindled its efforts to fill the foundation of the existing Niger Bridge facing serious erosion challenges and to replace the vandalized bolts, nuts and rails.

He noted that the second Niger Bridge which is 1.59 km in length comprises of four sections namely: the Asaba Road, the Toll Plaza, the bridge and the Onitsha Road section. 

Describing the bridge, Fashola pointed out that it will have two underpasses classified as secondary bridges planned at Amakom village in Delta State and Atani in Anambra State with an interchange at Obosi Junction of the Onitsha-Owerri Road.