The Federal Government has ordered the urgent installation of security cameras and solar-powered streetlights on the First Niger Bridge to stop people from stealing and damaging important parts of the structure.
The Works Minister announced the decision on Thursday while inspecting both the First and Second Niger bridges.
He expressed serious concern about vandals removing bolts, expansion joints and iron bars that hold the bridge together.
The minister said thieves have stolen bolts and even disconnected overhead steel bars, which makes the situation even more dangerous.
Installing CCTV cameras will allow security officials and police to watch the bridge in real time, identify vandals and arrest them.
The minister explained that the bridge shakes because of normal movement and the weight of asphalt on it, not because it is unsafe.
But fixing stolen bolts is difficult because the bridge is under tension and any changes could affect its structural members.
He ordered officials to immediately replace all the stolen bolts and then begin welding work.
The minister said maintenance will start on the bridge and it will be closed at night during repairs.
He stressed that once the CCTV and solar lights are installed, the system will connect to officials’ phones and to the police.
The minister also visited the Second Niger Bridge and found problems with erosion threatening the structure.
He ordered the immediate arrest of anyone found illegally digging and selling sand in the area around the bridge.
He warned vandals and illegal sand miners that the government will not continue building and repairing infrastructure just to have it destroyed.
Every bridge will now be fitted with cameras to catch anyone trying to damage it.
“The Federal Government cannot build bridges for the people and vandals to continue to destroy them.
Henceforth, the entire bridge will be wired with cameras,” the minister said.
