Yenagoa — Bayelsa State government yesterday dismissed the claim that the 45years old iron bridge linking the Igbogene and Okoloibiri communities in Yenagoa local government area of the state collapse, saying it was only shut down to motorists due to noticeable defects.
The narrow bridge, used by the community and motorists traveling in and outside the state, was built by the Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) in the late 60s due to its exploration activity of the Ekelebo oil well in Okolobiri.
The State Commander of the FRSC, Mr Vincent Jack, was quoted by some online news media as confirming the collapse of the bridge and stating that his men were engaged in rescue effort at the scene.
But the Bayelsa government, through the Works and Infrastructure Commissioner, Lawrence Erudjakpo, said the reported collapse was not true.
“Let me confirm to you that we got a report on the defective nature of the bridge and the possible threat of collapse.
We quickly asked the construction firm working in the area to shut down the bridge from motorists.If you go there, you will see that it is still been used by pendestrians but not motorists,” he said.
