The Federal Government has said the First Niger Bridge linking Anambra and Delta states will reopen to traffic next week after key rehabilitation works.

The Minister of Works, David Umahi, gave the assurance on Wednesday during an inspection of the bridge at Onitsha.

The bridge was closed earlier this month after vandals removed critical bolts, nuts and parts of its expansion-joint steelwork. Its reopening, initially scheduled for September 21, was delayed by a week due to rainfall.

Umahi said contractor SKECC had replaced the vandalised components, while a specialised expansion joint had been manufactured and brought into the country for installation.

He said safety remained the priority, directing the contractor to complete the structural works, repaint the bridge, remove illegal advertisements, install additional solar-powered lights and complete CCTV surveillance linked to the Second Niger Bridge.

The minister also ordered a structural assessment of the bridge and directed that concrete be used on sections of the approaches due for future reconstruction to prevent wasteful spending.

Delta State Commissioner for Works, Charles Aniagwu, commended the pace of the rehabilitation and thanked motorists for their patience and cooperation.