By Our Reporter
The federal government has extended the maintenance work on the First River Niger Bridge by one week due to persistent heavy rainfall across Anambra State.
The federal government closed the bridge to traffic to carry out maintenance work on it.
The initial closure was for two weeks.
The contractor had raised concerns over inadequate lighting and poor sanitation around the bridge, saying the challenges were affecting night operations and posing security concerns for workers and construction materials.
However, the maintenance work has been further disrupted by heavy rainfall, which has persisted across the state for almost a week.
When reporters visited the bridge on Monday morning, there was heavy rain, preventing work at the bridge.
Some sections that had already been worked on were also reportedly affected by the continuous rainfall.
The Controller of Works, Engr. Timothy Emenike, who spoke to reporters in Onitsha, said the impact of the rainfall meant that the workers needed at least three consecutive dry days before they could effectively return to work.
He said the completion date had consequently been extended by one week, subject to favourable weather conditions.
Emenike, however, disclosed that after the maintenance work is completed, the Minister of Works, Engr. Dave Umahi, would conduct another inspection of the bridge before approval is given for its reopening.
He also said the challenge of inadequate lighting for night operations had been addressed, while the sanitation problems around the bridge had also been resolved.
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