By CHARLES IWUOHA

Minister of Works, Engr David Umahi, has raised the alarm over the activities of vandals on the superstructure of the 2nd Niger Bridge.

Umahi described the activities as cruel and cowardly incident of destruction of the expansion joints used to absorb the thermal expansions of the 2nd Niger Bridge.

The minister expressed deep shock that reports of vandalisation are still being recorded despite the presence of the private security outfit deployed by the Federal Ministry of Works to man the area.

He condemned in strongest terms the ruthless destruction of the expansion joints as a deliberate act of sabotage on a key national infrastructure that has immense socio-economic benefits to the contiguous states and indeed the entire Nation.

This was contained in a statement issued on Tuesday by Mr Uchenna Orji, the Special Adviser (Media) to the Minister of Works.

“It is saddening that a human being with the right senses could destroy such a critical and strategic treasure that catalyses Nigeria's socio-economic advancement.

“The minister notes that the 2nd Niger Bridge which was handed over to the Renewed Hope administration on 12th December 2023, after its completion, is one of the PIDF projects intended to bridge the gap in the road infrastructure yearnings of the people of the area and boost economic activities by expanding access into the southern part of Nigeria, creating vistas of tourism and trade opportunities and improving road safety along the corridor.

"But it is heartrending that the facilities are being vandalized by those who are meant to own the benefits it serves. The minister appreciates the public for the zeal of their concerns, particularly the patriotic young Nigerian who raised the desired alarm that trended widely in media platforms, and he assures the public that a more formidable security architecture is being activated to forestall further havoc on the facilities.

“He enjoins all road users, residents and authorities within the 1.6km concrete box girder bridge of the 2nd Niger Bridge, the two secondary bridges of 21.7m each on Amakon village road, the cloverleaf interchange at Onitsha-Owerri road and the approach roads between Asaba, Delta State and Onitsha, Anambra State, to help keep watch against persons who vandalize, attempt to vandalize or tamper with the road infrastructure facilities on the project,” he said.

According to the statement, the Federal Ministry of Works shall promptly and handsomely reward any person or group who nabs or gives useful information on the identity of perpetrators of vandalization of facilities on the 2nd Niger Bridge or on any of our road infrastructure facilities nationwide.

The minister reiterates the commitment of the Renewed Hope administration of President Bola Tinubu in changing the road infrastructure narrative of Nigeria.

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