By Noah Ocheni, Lokoja
The Controller, Federal of Works and Housing (FMWH) in Kogi State, Engr. Kajogbola Jimoh, has said that the ministry has reopened the closed section of the Murtala Muhammad Bridge, Jamata on Abuja-Lokoja highway to ease movement of traffic movement during the Christmas and New Year festivities.
Kajogbola who disclosed this in Lokoja said that though the rehabilitation work on the dual carriage bridge was yet to be completed, a substantial part of it on Lokoja-bound portion had been done and could be reopened to traffic to address heavy vehicular movement during the festivities.
According to him, what remains for the Lokoja bound bridge to be completed is to change the damaged expansion joints which have to be ordered from abroad adding that the contractor has some constraints in this area.
“Presently, all other works are completed and we have asked him to cover the edges of the old expansion joints so that when the new ones arrive, he will simply remove the old ones and replace them with new ones.”
“If the closed section is not opened, Nigerians will suffer during this festive period and that is why we are insisting that they should open it for now till when the contractor is able to get the new expansion joints”, he said.
Kajogbola said he collaborated with Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Corridors Commander, Sector Commander and other officials to remove the barricades and redirect the traffic all in the presence of the contractor’s representative.
He pointed out that the reopening was a temporary arrangements to alleviate the suffering of motorists as the contractor has two years to complete and has not spent up to a year on the job.
The bridge which is currently under rehabilitation and the maintenance being handled by Hallekem Ltd. according to him had only one functional 2-lane carriageway in use before this reopening.
The Controller appealed to motorists to be patient, resist temptation to drive against traffic and to keep their vehicles in good condition to avoid break down.
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