The reopening of the First Niger Bridge to vehicular traffic has been delayed following persistent rainfall that disrupted ongoing maintenance work on the bridge.
The bridge was expected to reopen on Monday after two weeks of complete closure, but motorists will now have to wait longer as the rehabilitation works are yet to be completed.
The Acting Federal Controller of Works, Anambra Field Headquarters, Timothy Emenike, confirmed the delay in a telephone conversation, saying rainfall had affected some sections of the repair work.
Emenike said some completed portions of the work were washed away by the rains, making it difficult for engineers to carry out the remaining finishing activities.
He appealed to motorists and other road users for patience, explaining that the ministry needs about three consecutive days of favourable weather to complete the outstanding work and prepare the bridge for safe reopening.
The First Niger Bridge has been completely shut to vehicular traffic for the past two weeks, forcing motorists to rely mainly on the Second Niger Bridge and other alternative routes.
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The closure has resulted in longer journeys and increased transportation costs for commuters using the affected routes.
As rainfall continues to disrupt the rehabilitation, authorities have shifted focus from the initial reopening deadline to completing the outstanding work and ensuring the bridge is safe for motorists before traffic resumes.
