The Federal Government has taken immediate action to commence the reconstruction of the collapsed Enugu/Port Harcourt expressway bridge, according to the Minister of Works, Sen. Dave Umahi.
Umahi made this known during an on-the-spot assessment visit to the site of the collapsed bridge in Enugu State, accompanied by Governor Peter Mbah. He expressed his regret over the inconvenience caused to commuters and assured them that alternative routes would be provided by the government.
“We will evaluate the second bridge and determine the extent of remedial work necessary. The reconstruction of the two bridges and the road will proceed simultaneously,” Umahi stated.
He further assured the public, saying, “I have directed the contractor to expedite the construction of an alternative road. We will assess the integrity of the second bridge, and if feasible, utilize it while the collapsed bridge is demolished and the reconstruction commences.”
Umahi also confirmed that the report and images of the collapsed bridge received by his office matched what he witnessed on site. He explained that the collapse occurred due to exposed pipes and highlighted that the bridge was originally constructed in 1968.
The minister expressed his gratitude to the Enugu Government for their efforts to dualize the Enugu to Abakaliki town road. He assured them of his support and pledged to dispatch his team to assess the project within the next seven days.
However, he emphasized that refunding governors seeking reimbursement for projects might be challenging due to the economic constraints inherited by the administration.
