By Kelechi Achukwu-Jide

The Anambra State Ministry of Works and Infrastructure has directed the closure of Nkisi Bridge from Oct. 3 to Oct. 17 to enable maintenance works.

The ministry conveyed the directive in a letter dated Oct. 2 and signed by Engr. Chukwuebuka Anselm Okoli, Director Highways (M/ES) addressed to Ferotex Construction Company.

According to the letter, the closure followed the observed undermining of the approach slab and abutment of the bridge.

It said the decision was also reached after a meeting with community leaders on the proposed closure.

The ministry directed the contractor to publicise the closure adequately to ensure that motorists and other road users were informed ahead of the exercise.

Engr. N.O. Aje, a chartered civil and structural engineer consulting for Ferotex, said the construction team had commenced piling at four locations as part of the intervention works.

Aje said drilling had reached 15 metres, against the planned depth of 18 metres, before heavy rainfall disrupted the operation.

He said flooding affected the work area and piling equipment, adding that work had continued on the precast beams while the team awaited improved weather conditions.

The Mayor of Onitsha North, Hon. Nweze Tony Nwora, who inspected the project site on Oct. 2, urged residents, motorists and other road users to make alternative route arrangements ahead of the closure.