NDDC: No Bridge Has Collapsed in Bayelsa, Says Director
Commission explains incident during beam installation at Otuogori-Otuegwe project
The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has clarified that an incident during the construction of the Otuogori-Otuegwe Bridge in Bayelsa State was not a bridge collapse.
The Commission said the incident occurred while contractors were positioning concrete beams for the 600-metre bridge, which is still under construction.
The NDDC Director, Bayelsa State Office, Engr. Godknows Alamieyeseigha, gave the clarification while addressing journalists during an inspection of the project site in Ogbia Local Government Area.
Alamieyeseigha described social media reports claiming that the bridge had collapsed as misleading, explaining that the project had not reached the stage of constructing the main bridge structure.
“We don’t have a bridge yet because we are still at the stage of crossing the beams. So, no bridge has collapsed,” he said.
He, however, confirmed that an incident occurred during construction, adding that the Commission was assessing the circumstances surrounding it.
The director dismissed suggestions of structural failure, expressing confidence that the construction company would address any issues identified and complete the project.
He also said no bridge had collapsed in Bayelsa or any of the nine Niger Delta states.
Alamieyeseigha attributed the Commission’s emphasis on quality assurance to the leadership of its Chairman, Mr Chiedu Ebie, and Managing Director, Dr Samuel Ogbuku.
He said NDDC engineers and independent consultants regularly monitor projects across the region to ensure compliance with approved designs and engineering standards.
The Managing Director of the construction firm, Mr Christian Emeozor, also explained that the incident happened during the launching of the bridge beams onto their bearings.
According to him, the beams had not been secured at the time, making it possible for one to slide during the positioning process.
“We are constructing a 600-metre bridge, but as you can see, we have not constructed a bridge yet. What you are seeing is just preparations for the bridge,” he said.
Emeozor described the occurrence as a minor construction accident, noting that the beam was resting on a bearing and had not been permanently secured.
He said the safety measures put in place at the site prevented casualties.
“The good thing is that, with the safety measures put in place, no life was
lost,” he added.
