THERE were concerns, on Monday, in Anambra State, as the Federal Government, again, extended the ongoing maintenance works at the first River Niger Bridge, by one week.
This followed heavy rains that continue to disrupt activities and sweeping across the state in the past one week till Monday morning.
The River Niger bridge was closed down by the Federal Government for two weeks to allow workers to carry out maintenance and repairs on the old bridge.
The contractor had complained bitterly about the poor lightening and sanitation along the bridge.
They lamented that the situation had affected works at night, as the security of workers and safety of materials cannot be guaranteed.
There were hours or heavy down pour across the state from Monday morning till about 3:00pm, forcing workers away from site while some potions that had received attention, had been affected by the one week constant rains.
The controller for works Engineer Timothy Emenike told newsmen in Onitsha that with the effects of the rain on the project, at least three dry days were needed for work to commence again, adding that in view of the circumstances, the date for the completion of the project has been extended by one dry week.
“So, in view of what is on ground, we have extended the date for the completion of the project by one week depending on the weather and for now, we pray that we shall have three dry days for us to return to site,” he said.
Emenike stated that after works on the bridge have been completed, the Minister for Works, Engineer Dave Umahi, would come on yet another project inspection for approval to be given for the reopening of the bridge.
He stated that the challenges of light for night work had been tackled.