Erosion threatens FG Bridge in Bayelsa

 By Inegbagha Majesty

The Tombia bridge across the River Nun in Yenagoa Local Government Area of Bayelsa state constructed by the Federal Government about 20 years ago during the late Governor Diepriye Alamieyeseigha’s administration is currently under erosion threat.

 

The bridge connects communities in Ekpetiama clan, the Niger Delta University town of Amassoma, Igbedi as well as the Bayelsa International Airport.

The Governor of Bayelsa state, Senator Douye Diri who visited the scene on Tuesday said the erosion was due to illegal dredging activities that had affected the edges of the bridge and some of the joints resulting in noticeable gaps. 

 

Governor Diri who expressed great dismay over the danger posed to the bridge directed an immediate stoppage of dredging activities on the river.

 

The governor asked the Ministry of Environment to ensure that the directive stopping dredging on 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.

He said: "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."