BAYELSA GOVT DENIES BRIDGE COLLAPSE ON NEMBE-BRASS ROAD, SAYS PROJECT 85% COMPLETE
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By Aishat Momoh. O.
The Bayelsa State Government has dismissed social media reports alleging a structural defect or collapse of a bridge along the ongoing Nembe-Brass road project, insisting that construction is progressing in line with approved engineering designs.
The government said the first phase of the 21-kilometre road project was about 85 per cent complete, expressing optimism that the road would be ready for commissioning in the first quarter of 2027.
The Nembe-Brass road is a major infrastructure project expected to improve connectivity among riverine communities in the state.
The Commissioners for Works and Infrastructure, Moses Teibowei, and Information, Orientation and Strategy, Ebiuwou Koku-Obiyai, stated this on Saturday during an inspection tour of the project to assess progress and address allegations concerning the fifth bridge along the road corridor.
The allegation, reportedly originating from a Facebook post, generated reactions on social media over the past week.
However, Teibowei maintained that no bridge column had collapsed, explaining that construction activities were ongoing in preparation for the installation of beams on the fifth and final bridge.
“Ordinarily, I would have kept silent, but because a fake report is circulating in the media and on social media, it is appropriate that the public be properly informed.
“That is the main reason why we are here: to correct the negative narration and the false claim that the bridge columns have collapsed. It is not correct. There is nothing like a column collapsing here,” he said.
The commissioner said equipment required for the installation of the beams was already on site, adding that the contractor was preparing for the next stage of construction.
He also disclosed that stone base and road stabilisation works had reached the 21-kilometre terminal point, close to the St. Nicholas River.
On the quality of the project, Teibowei said the government was adhering to approved engineering specifications and quality-control procedures.
He explained that the Ministry of Works and Infrastructure had a laboratory for testing construction materials to ensure they met the required standards.
“The quality of materials and equipment used on this project is of a high standard, and the work is being carried out in accordance with the approved design.
“Prof. Beredugo was the consultant who designed the Nembe-Brass road project for the Bayelsa State Government, and that is the design we are following,” he said.
Teibowei expressed confidence that the road would be completed and ready for commissioning in the first quarter of 2027.
Also speaking, Koku-Obiyai urged residents to disregard what she described as false and misleading claims about the project.
She said she had visited the construction site more than five times since work began and remained confident that the contractor was making progress.
“I want to place it on record that since the project started, I have been here more than five times. What we have seen on social media, especially what that man said, is not a true representation of what is happening here,” she said.
Koku-Obiyai described the Nembe-Brass road as one of the priority infrastructure projects of the Governor Douye Diri-led administration, adding that the government remained committed to delivering development projects for the benefit of residents.
She urged the public to rely on verified information rather than unsubstantiated reports circulating online.
The Assistant Manager for Bayelsa and Delta states at Setraco Nigeria Limited, the contractor handling the project, Joseph John, also denied the allegation of a bridge collapse, assuring residents that the company was committed to delivering quality work.
John said the company was not facing funding challenges, adding that the state government had continued to release funds for the project.
“There is no problem with our project. Whatever you are hearing out there is fake news, and we are ready to deliver on time because this is the last bridge of the five,” he said.
He added that construction was progressing in line with project requirements and that the company remained committed to meeting the state government’s expectations.
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