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The Senate, in its action on Wednesday, called for swift action from the Federal Ministry of Works to begin the reconstruction of the collapsed bridge situated at the Enugu terminus of the Enugu-Port Harcourt expressway.
The Senate’s decision came as a result of their endorsement of a motion during Wednesday’s plenary session.
Sen. Osita Ngwu (PDP-Enugu) brought forth the motion, which was deemed an urgent matter of public concern, and was joined in its sponsorship by Sen. Victor Umeh (LP-Anambra), Sen. Kelvin Chukwu (LP-Enugu), and Sen. Okechukwu Ezea (LP-Enugu).
Mr. Ngwu brought to mind the harrowing event of the expressway flyover partially collapsing on September 25, underscoring the absence of any human fatalities.
He explained that the bridge, acting as a key conduit for travelers from Port Harcourt, Aba, Umuahia, and Abakaliki to the Enugu-Port Harcourt expressway, additionally provides a gateway for vehicular traffic from the Onitsha-Enugu expressway.
He registered his discontentment with the prevailing road infrastructure maintenance strategy.
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The senator noted that there were early warnings of the impending collapse, which could have been identified for immediate repairs, thus preventing the tragic incident.
The lawmaker stressed that a delay in the rehabilitation of this crucial public infrastructure could further deteriorate the already pressing socio-economic issues faced by Enugu State and the entire South-East Zone.
Expressing his worry, Mr. Ezea raised concerns about the potential repercussions of the bridge collapse, which could disrupt economic operations in the area.
In his statement, Sen. Adeola (APC-Ogun) highlighted the importance of including a project like this in the 2024 budget to ensure the Senate’s resolution is effectively implemented.
Sen. Abdullahi Yahaya (PDP-Kebbi) encouraged Senators representing Enugu State to prepare a comprehensive report on the state of disrepair of roads and collapsed bridges. This report will be presented to the Senate’s ad hoc committee on collapsed road infrastructure to ensure proper allocation in the 2024 budget.
Consequently, the Senate called upon the federal government to promptly allocate emergency funding to the Ministry of Works for the restoration and upkeep of essential road infrastructure nationwide ahead of the forthcoming dry season.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio, during his address, affirmed that necessary remedial actions would be taken to address the collapsed bridge’s condition, with provisions for full-scale reconstruction included in the budget.
