Bayelsa State government has alerted the public on the damage to portions of the Tombia bridge across the River Nun in Yenagoa Local Government Area of the state.

It said erosion, occasioned by illegal dredging activities, affected the edges of the bridge and some of the joints, resulting in noticeable gaps.

The bridge, which connects communities in Ekpetiama axis, the university town of Amassoma, Igbedi, as well as the Bayelsa International Airport, was constructed by the Federal Government about 20 years ago during the late Governor Diepriye Alamieyeseigha administration.

Governor Douye Diri who inspected the damaged portions on Tuesday, directed an immediate stoppage of dredging activities in the river.

The Governor asked the Ministry of Environment to ensure that the directive stopping dredging in the river was carried out to prevent the collapse of the bridge.

He also directed the Ministry of Works and Infrastructure to embark on immediate remedial work on the damaged portions of the bridge.

“This structure is showing visible signs of damage and weakness. The activities of illegal dredgers in the River Nun underneath the bridge have apparently caused the erosion that has affected the bridge.

“This bridge was built during the administration of the late Governor Diepriye Alamieyeseigha almost 20 years ago by the Federal Ministry of Works. We need to draw the Federal Government’s attention to this while we embark on immediate remedial work to prevent its collapse.

“I hereby direct the Commissioner for Environment to ensure stoppage of dredging activities on the river.

“I also direct the Ministry of Works and Infrastructure to commence immediate remedial work on the bridge to safeguard it for our people that ply this road to Ekpetiama communities, to Amassoma, Igbedi, the Bayelsa Airport and other communities in this axis of the state,” Diri said.

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