Oju-Ore bridge safe, structurally sound, says Works Ministry

n n

David Umahi, Minister of Works

n

By James Ogunnaike, Abeokuta

n

The Federal Ministry of Works has dismissed reports alleging structural defects on the Oju-Ore bridge in Ota, Ogun State, saying the bridge has passed the required integrity tests and remains structurally sound.

n

The ministry gave the assurance following an inspection of the ongoing project by a delegation led by the Director of Bridges, Highways and Road Designs, Engr. Musa Saidu, acting on the directive of the Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi.

n

The inspection followed concerns raised on social media about the quality and structural integrity of the bridge.

n

Saidu said the assessment showed that the project complied with the required engineering standards, describing the allegations of structural failure as unsubstantiated.

n

“The bridge has undergone integrity tests and passed. It is structurally stable,” he said.

n

He cautioned against using photographs or videos posted on social media as a basis for determining the structural integrity of a major infrastructure project, stressing that such assessments must be based on scientific and engineering tests.

n

“Engineering decisions are based on scientific tests, not assumptions,” he said.

n

Saidu said the ministry would not compromise on the quality of federal infrastructure projects, adding that the Oju-Ore bridge was being constructed in line with approved designs and specifications and under the supervision of relevant authorities.

n

He said the quality of work carried out by the contractor, Laralek Construction Company, was satisfactory, although some minor finishing works identified during the inspection would be addressed before completion.

n

According to him, the fact that heavy-duty vehicles had already traversed the bridge was further evidence of its structural capacity, although construction work was yet to be completed.

n

“The structural stability of the bridge is guaranteed. Heavy trucks are already moving across it, even though construction has not been fully completed,” he said.

n

The director also urged members of the public to refrain from spreading unverified information capable of undermining confidence in public infrastructure.

n

He, however, warned traders and other members of the public against operating or loitering beneath the bridge while construction activities were ongoing, describing the practice as unsafe.

n

“Construction sites are restricted areas across the world. People should not be trading or loitering beneath an active bridge project. It poses serious safety risks,” he said.

n

The ministry expressed confidence that the contractor had overcome earlier challenges that affected the pace of construction and would complete the project within the stipulated timeframe.

n

Representing Laralek Construction Company, Mr Tope Ojo said the bridge was being constructed in accordance with approved engineering designs, drawings and government specifications.

n

He said the major structural components, including the spans, bearings, beams and piers, had been executed according to the approved designs, with some components exceeding the minimum design requirements.

n

“There is absolutely no cause for alarm. Every integrity test required for the bridge has been conducted, and all results confirmed compliance with engineering standards,” Ojo said.

n

He added that the integrity tests were conducted by independent consultants and not by the contractor, with the results subsequently submitted to the relevant authorities.

n

Ojo further disclosed that officials of the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN) had conducted an on-site technical assessment of the project.

n

According to him, the assessment covered the critical structural elements of the bridge and confirmed compliance with the applicable engineering requirements.

n

A member of the Oju-Ore Stakeholders Council, Comrade Akomolafe Zubair, welcomed the ministry’s intervention, saying the technical assessment would help restore public confidence in the project.

n

Zubair said the inspection had provided reassurance to residents and motorists who had become concerned by reports circulating on social media.

n

He appealed to residents of Ota and motorists plying the corridor to remain patient as the contractor completes the outstanding works.

n

He expressed optimism that the bridge would soon be completed and opened to full public use, easing movement along the busy Ota corridor.

n

The Oju-Ore Bridge project remains under the supervision of the Federal Ministry of Works, with the contractor expected to complete the remaining works in line with the approved project schedule.

n n