The Enugu House of Representatives members have called on the Federal Government to declare a state of emergency on the state of roads in the Southeast region and urgently reconstruct the collapsed bridge along the Enugu/Port Harcourt expressway.
The group, led by Nnoli Nnaji, representing Nkanu East/West Federal Constituency, made the appeal during a visit to the scene of the collapsed bridge at the New Artisan section of the Enugu/Port Harcourt Expressway on Wednesday.
The House members, including Stainless Nwodo, Chimaobi Atu, and Obi Aguocha, expressed deep concern over the hardship faced by residents and travelers since the bridge’s collapse on Monday, News About Nigeria gathered.
Nnaji, Chairman of the House of Reps Committee on Ports and Harbours, emphasized the importance of the road that connects Enugu and Rivers State, serving both the Southeast and South-South regions.
He stressed that only urgent intervention by the federal and state governments could address the situation effectively.
He further explained that he had already communicated with the Chairman of the House Committee on Works and that Governor Peter Mbah had contacted the Minister of Works, Sen. Dave Umahi as well.
Nnaji considered the situation of national importance and confirmed that they would raise it on the floor of the House when they resume sitting.
In addition to fixing the collapsed bridge, Nnaji proposed conducting integrity tests on all old bridges and flyovers, ensuring their safety. He urged patience from road users and promised to escalate the issue to the federal government.
Obi Aguocha, a fellow House member, emphasized the importance of Enugu in the Igbo community and expressed concern over the stress the collapse has caused to travelers on the road.
