Despite spending that reportedly exceeded ₦1.2 billion on the reconstruction of the Mooro Bridge, commuters in Kwara State are now relying on a temporary bridge made from shipping containers, raising fresh concerns over public infrastructure delivery and safety.
The makeshift crossing, erected by the Kwara State Government along the Okolowo–Alapa Road in Moro Local Government Area, was introduced after the original bridge collapsed in April, claiming one life and leaving four others injured
The road is a major transport corridor linking communities in Kwara and Oyo states, while serving as an important route to the Nigeria–Benin Republic border. It is frequently used by fuel tankers, trailers, trucks transporting farm produce, and other heavy-duty vehicles.
Although the temporary bridge has restored movement along the highway, residents say it is unsuitable for the volume and weight of traffic using the route. Many fear the structure may not survive the heavy rains expected later this year.
A visit to the site showed heavy trucks and articulated vehicles already using the container bridge, despite growing concerns about its structural strength.
A civil engineer, Babatunde Abdulganiy, warned that container bridges are designed only as short-term emergency solutions and are not engineered for continuous use by heavy-duty vehicles. He also cautioned that inadequate water clearance could expose the bridge to flooding during the peak rainy season, increasing the risk of structural failure.
He urged authorities to immediately restrict heavy vehicles from the route and fast-track the construction of a permanent bridge.
The temporary crossing has also renewed public scrutiny of the abandoned reconstruction project.
Records from previous investigations show that the bridge reconstruction contract was initially awarded for ₦865 million before being increased by ₦92.9 million, bringing the project cost to nearly ₦938 million. Another contract review approved in 2022 reportedly pushed the total allocation to over ₦1.2 billion.
Despite the significant public investment, the permanent bridge remains uncompleted, leaving residents dependent on a temporary container structure.
The original Mooro Bridge collapsed on April 29 after a truck carrying stones attempted to cross the aging structure. While the truck driver survived, tragedy struck hours later when four motorcyclists unknowingly rode into the collapsed section because warning signs and barricades were reportedly absent. One rider died instantly, while three others sustained serious injuries.
Residents are now demanding accountability for the bridge project and urging the government to complete the permanent reconstruction without further delay, arguing that a project funded with more than ₦1.2 billion should not leave commuters crossing a container bridge.
