PHOTO: The First Ever Suspension Bridge In Nigeria And Africa
Mr. McWhirter worked from 1905-1911: the Haulk Suspension Bridge, the Public Works Department (P.W.D.), and that part of the European...
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Mr. McWhirter worked from 1905-1911: the Haulk
Suspension Bridge, the Public Works Department (P.W.D.), and that part
of the European Quarters where the Catering Rest Housing (for European
visitors only in 1910) was located in those days. The suspension bridge
across the mouth of Nkissi Stream was an elaborate accomplishment for
Mr. McWhirter’s time, but a necessary one since Nkissi Stream is deeply
incised, and embankments along the river here are high.
At this location the combined flow of the two large rivers cuts strongly alone the entire reach of these hills, creating steep banks, and the equally bright reddish cliffs of also-incised Nkissi Stream may be seen behind the rectangular street sign visible at far right in the image.
The fact that a technical accomplishment of this magnitude was a primary operation undertaken by the new Colonial Government reflected the importance of developing this part of the city immediately, in order to situate what were then deemed certain critical functions there, including nearest to the rest of the city.
Below, his photograph of the Suspension Bridge, presumably taken from the small spit of land just east of it. It must have appeared, for Onitsha, like the Eiffel Tower (built at about the same time) looked for the people of Paris.
Suspension bridge over N’Kissi Creek, Onitsha, Anambra state. Robert McWhirter records that “I helped to build this bridge”.
At this location the combined flow of the two large rivers cuts strongly alone the entire reach of these hills, creating steep banks, and the equally bright reddish cliffs of also-incised Nkissi Stream may be seen behind the rectangular street sign visible at far right in the image.
The fact that a technical accomplishment of this magnitude was a primary operation undertaken by the new Colonial Government reflected the importance of developing this part of the city immediately, in order to situate what were then deemed certain critical functions there, including nearest to the rest of the city.
Below, his photograph of the Suspension Bridge, presumably taken from the small spit of land just east of it. It must have appeared, for Onitsha, like the Eiffel Tower (built at about the same time) looked for the people of Paris.
Suspension bridge over N’Kissi Creek, Onitsha, Anambra state. Robert McWhirter records that “I helped to build this bridge”.
