The federal and Delta state governments have drawn a battle line over the rehabilitation of the failed Bedesiegha bridge, along Bomadi Road in Delta State.
The state government has refuted attempted claims by the Federal Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs on the repair of the bridge.
Addressing journalists at the project site on Saturday, the state commissioner for works, highways and urban roads, Comrade Reuben Izeze said it was mendacious and an attempt to swindle the Federal Government for anyone to lay claim to a project not done by them.
Izeze, who was in company of his counterpart in the ministry of works, rural and riverine roads, Mr Charles Aniagwu, said, “The approach to the bridge was eroded by flood in 2022 and the Delta State Government awarded this remedial work in December 2022 with a 6-months completion period which was not feasible because of another round of flood that made the place inaccessible.
“The water rose almost on top of the bridge so an emergency alternative route was created to at least take care of light vehicles below 20,000 tonnes.
“The governor was particularly concerned because this road leads to five local governments and Bayelsa State and Niger Construction Company concluded work on the bridge since December 20, 2023 and it was subsequently opened up for use by the general public during Christmas.
“The main reason why we are here today is that in the course of laying the asphalt in January, we discovered that certain persons had attempted to take credit for this job that was done by the Delta State Government through Niger Cat Construction Company.
“The bridge was completed and opened up to the general public as at December 20 and because the contractor and our engineers had gone on break, these persons came with the flag of the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs and placed them on both ends of the bridge.
“By their action they made it seem as if it was the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs that was responsible for the rehabilitation of the bridge but that is actually not the case.
“We are here to let the public, particularly the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs and well meaning Nigerians, to know that this project, particularly the extension of the bridge, was done by the Delta State Government and the contractors are right here with us. So it’s surprising that somebody wants to lay claim to what they have not done.”
On his part, Aniagwu commended the Ministry for proper supervision in ensuring that the project was delivered according to specification, saying, “I am happy that the work has been well delivered according to the Bill of Engineering Measurement and Evaluation (BEME).
“Like my colleague earlier said, we are also interested in helping the Federal Government to fight corruption because those who came here to erect their signpost without doing any work here obviously had the intention of deceiving the Federal Government.”
