Mixed Reactions Trail Temporary Opening Of Second Niger Bridge

Reports are emerging that there are mixed reactions about the opening of the Second Niger Bridge for 30 days to ease traffic during the festivities.

Naija News understands that while motorists and travellers expressed happiness about the opening of the bridge, some businessmen and women along the road are not too happy about it.

It was gathered that marketers who sell around the bridge area during gridlock are not happy about the opening, as they complained to Punch that there won’t be the opportunity to make huge sales this festive season.

Naija News gathered that residents of the zone usually indulge in brisk business activities during heavy traffic when the bridge was under construction, so their complaints were that the opening of the bridge would stall sales since there would be fast movement along the bridge.

This platform reported yesterday that the Second Niger Bridge between Asaba, Delta State and Onitsha, Anambra State was opened to motorists for temporary use between December 15, 2022, to January 15, 2023.

The Minister of Works, Babatunde Fashola (SAN), said the temporary opening of the second Niger Bridge was to decongest traffic from the old bridge during the Yuletide.

However, motorists were happy with the opening as Punch observed that vehicles were plying the bridge from Asaba to Onitsha, without any hitch.

Speaking with Punch, the Chairman of the Anambra State Chapter of the Great Tippers Association of Nigeria, Chukwuebuka Unekwe, said he was glad because the opening enables the free flow of traffic, at the Onitsha-Owerri road as smaller vehicles will now be reduced on that axis.

He said “Although our trucks are not allowed to ply the road during this temporary opening, it is a relief to us because those smaller vehicles will now make use of that place, thereby reducing the number of vehicles at the old River Niger Bridge.

“I have been at the bridge, it is very smooth and vehicles were moving very fast but I will advise they should not be deceived by the road and start speeding, thereby endangering their lives.”

The Secretary of Electronic Dealers Market, Onitsha, Damian Ogudike, said “Honestly, the immediate benefit is the easing of stress people pass through to cross the old bridge ahead. I think this is a good one and kudos to the Federal Government.”

Naija News learnt that another motorist who identified himself as Mathew Okafor said the opening of the second Niger Bridge is a big relief to travellers, especially this Christmas period.

He said to Punch that “If one does not have any business in Onitsha, Nkpor and others, he will ply the Second Niger Bridge to avoid the stress of passing the Onitsha Bridgehead.”

According to Ifeanyi Uche, another road user, the opening of the bridge is a blessing to the southeast because motorists who use the Onitsha Bridge were too many and people dread coming home for Christmas because of the stress.