Bayelsa debunks Nembe-Brass bridge collapse rumour, says road 85% complete

The Bayelsa State Government has dismissed reports circulating on social media alleging a structural defect or collapse of a bridge along the ongoing Nembe-Brass road project, insisting that construction work is progressing according to approved engineering designs.

The government said the first phase of the 21-kilometre road project was about 85 per cent complete, expressing confidence that the road would be ready for commissioning in the first quarter of 2027.

Nembe-Brass road is a major infrastructure link expected to improve connectivity in the riverine communities.

The Commissioners for Works and Infrastructure, Moses Teibowei, and his Information, Orientation and Strategy counterpart, Ebiuwou Koku-Obiyai, stated this on Saturday during an inspection tour of the project to assess the progress of work and address the controversy surrounding the fifth bridge along the road corridor.

The allegation, which reportedly originated from a Facebook post, has generated reactions on social media over the past week.

However, the Works Commissioner maintained that no bridge column had collapsed, explaining that construction activities were ongoing in preparation for the installation of beams on the fifth and final bridge.

He said, “Ordinarily, I would have kept silent, but because a fake report is circulating in the media and on social media, it is appropriate that the public be properly informed.

“That is the main reason why we are here: to correct the negative narration and the false claim that the bridge columns have collapsed. It is not correct. There is nothing like a column collapsing here.”

The commissioner explained that the equipment for the installation of the beams was already on site, adding that the contractor was preparing for the next stage of construction.

He said the stone base and road stabilisation works had reached the 21-kilometre terminal point, close to the St. Nicholas River.

On the quality of the project, Teibowei said the government was adhering to approved engineering specifications and quality-control procedures, adding that the Ministry of Works and Infrastructure has a laboratory for testing construction materials to ensure compliance with required standards.

“The quality of materials and equipment used on this project is of a high standard, and the work is being carried out in accordance with the approved design.

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“Prof. Beredugo was the consultant who designed the Nembe-Brass road project for the Bayelsa State Government, and that is the design we are following,” he said.

Teibowei expressed optimism that the road would be completed and ready for commissioning in the first quarter of next year.

Also speaking, Koku-Obiyai urged residents to disregard what she described as false and misleading claims about the project.

She said she had visited the construction site more than five times since work began and remained confident that the contractor was making progress.

“I want to place it on record that since the project started, I have been here more than five times. What we have seen on social media, especially what that man said, is not a true representation of what is happening here,” she said.

Koku-Obiyai described the Nembe-Brass road as one of the priority infrastructure projects of the Governor Douye Diri-led administration, saying the government remained committed to delivering development projects for the benefit of residents.

The commissioner urged the public to rely on verified information rather than unsubstantiated reports circulating online.

The Assistant Manager for Bayelsa and Delta states with Setraco Nigeria Limited, the contractor handling the project, Joseph John, also dismissed the allegation of a bridge collapse, assuring residents that the company was committed to delivering quality work.

John said the company had no funding challenges, adding that the state government had continued to release funds for the project.

“There is no problem with our project. Whatever you are hearing out there is fake news, and we are ready to deliver on time because this is the last bridge of the five,” he said.

He added that the construction work was progressing in line with the project requirements and that the company remained committed to meeting the government’s expectations.