Babatunji Wusu –
Sen. Dave Umahi, Minister of Works, announced that the collapsed Enugu/Port Harcourt expressway would be immediately rebuilt by the Federal Government.
As part of his official tour to the state, Umahi made this statement while visiting the site of the collapsed bridge with Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State.
He added that the bridge collapse was terrible and that the government would provide an other route for travelers while the bridge was being rebuilt, which would alleviate the agony of commuters using the road.
He stated, “We will examine the second bridge and see how far the corrective work will be done on it. Along with building the road, we’ll speed up the reconstruction of the two bridges.
“Let me assure you that I have instructed the contractor to take every feasible step to provide a different route.
We will examine the second bridge to determine its structural soundness and determine whether it can be used while the first bridge is being taken down and the new one is being built.
“I think the contractor is hearing us, and things will get going right now. I need a note, which I will give to the president.
The report and images of the destroyed bridge that were supplied to the minister matched what he was seeing, the minister continued.
He added that the bridge was built in 1968 and said that the collapse happened because the pipes were exposed.
He expressed his support and praised the Enugu Government for taking the initiative to dualize the Enugu to Abakaliki town route.
“We received your letter regarding it, and I will dispatch my guys to visit and assess it. I can guarantee that you will hear from us within the next seven days; we are working on the drains and will provide you with our standard and bills of quantities.
We inherited an economy in which more than 90% of income was going toward paying off debts when we took government, so it is difficult for me to reassure any governor who requests a return.
Mbah commended Umahi and the FG for their quick action in the wake of the bridge collapse, noting that it demonstrated the president’s dedication to his duties as president.
We can see today that he is committed to running an inclusive government and leading with compassion.
When the event occurred, he continued, he immediately contacted the FG, and within 48 hours the minister was in the state for an inspection to determine how they could complete at least one piece of the road to accommodate the people.
