The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has dismissed social media reports claiming that a bridge project under construction in Otuogori community, Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, had collapsed.
The Commission described the reports as misleading, clarifying that the 600-metre Otuogori-Otuegwe Bridge is still under construction and has not yet reached the stage where it can be described as a completed bridge.
Speaking to journalists at the construction site, the NDDC Director of Bayelsa State Office, Engr. Godknows Alamieyeseigha, explained that an incident occurred during the positioning of bridge beams but insisted that it was not a structural collapse.
He said the Commission was assessing the circumstances surrounding the incident, adding that the construction company would address any issues identified during the assessment.
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The Managing Director of the construction firm, Christian Emeozor, also explained that the incident happened during the launching of the bridge beams onto their bearings.
According to him, one of the beams was not yet secured and could slide during the positioning process, resulting in a minor construction accident.
He, however, confirmed that no life was lost, attributing the absence of casualties to the safety measures put in place at the construction site.
Emeozor assured that the bridge project was being executed in line with the required engineering standards.
The NDDC further maintained that its engineers and independent consultants regularly monitor projects across the Niger Delta to ensure compliance with approved designs and construction standards.
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