The Federal Government has ordered the installation of closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras on the First Niger Bridge to curb the theft and vandalism of bolts, expansion joints, iron bars and other components of the structure.
Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, gave the directive while inspecting sections of the bridge where vandals had removed critical components.
Umahi said the stolen bolts, including those holding parts of the bridge together, posed a serious safety risk to motorists.
‘We saw this vandalism on social media. We want to thank members of the public for bringing this to our attention.
‘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 said.
The minister noted that replacing some of the damaged components would be difficult because the bridge was under tension.
‘This will be very difficult to refix because the bridge is under tension, and as I’m dragging it, it will make the members yield,’ he said.
Umahi also inspected the Second Niger Bridge, where erosion had affected its base and created a potential danger to motorists using the bridge.
He directed the Controller of Works in Anambra State, Engr Timothy Emenike, to procure the required bolts and commence immediate repairs.
The minister said the installation of CCTV cameras would help monitor the bridge and deter further vandalism.
‘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.
Speaking directly to the Controller of Works, Umahi said, ‘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.
‘We will fix the solar streetlights and CCTV on this bridge, and that will be transmitted to your phone and also linked to the police, so that if we see anyone who comes here to vandalise the bridge, we will pick them up.
‘I have better things to do than to keep coming here to inspect vandalisation of infrastructure built by the Federal Government for the people.’
Speaking on the shaky nature of the bridge, the Minister said: ‘People have said the bridge is shaking, but that is because of the bearing and every bridge shakes. As for this bridge, there is so much dead load on the bridge because of the asphalt.’
Umahi added that maintenance would begin on the bridge, and the bridge would be closed at night for the duration of the work.
On the erosion threatening the Second Niger Bridge, Umahi ordered the arrest of 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,’ Umahi ordered.