By Chinedum Treasure
The Federal Government has ordered the immediate installation of CCTV cameras and solar-powered streetlights on the First Niger Bridge to curb vandalism and theft of critical bridge components.
The Minister of Works, Engr. Dave Umahi, gave the directive on Thursday during an inspection of the First and Second Niger Bridges.
Umahi expressed concern over the removal of bolts, expansion joints and iron bars from the First Niger Bridge, describing the development as dangerous.
He directed the Controller of Works in Anambra State, Engr. Timothy Emenike, to procure and replace the affected bolts immediately, while welding works are to commence thereafter.
The minister said the new CCTV system would transmit live footage to relevant officials and the police to enable security agencies to identify and arrest vandals.
“We will fix solar streetlights and CCTV on this bridge and that will be transmitted to your phone and also linked to the police,” Umahi said.
He also announced that maintenance work would commence on the bridge and that it would be closed at night during the exercise.
Addressing concerns about the bridge shaking, Umahi explained that some movement was normal for bridges, adding that the First Niger Bridge currently carries considerable dead load because of the asphalt on it.
At the Second Niger Bridge, the minister inspected erosion threatening the area and ordered the immediate arrest of anyone found excavating sand around the bridge.
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“I don’t want to know who they are. Once you find anyone involved in the excavation of sand around this area, you must arrest them,” he ordered.
Umahi warned that the Federal Government would not continue investing in infrastructure only for vandals and illegal excavators to undermine the projects.
Tags: Niger Bridge, Dave Umahi, Anambra, Federal Government, Infrastructure
