In the bid to ensure extensive reportage of the bridge collapse earlier today between Naira Triangle and Goshen Flyover, on Kilometer One, Enugu-Port Harcourt Expressways, details of the incident in a statement signed by the Enugu State Hon. Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure; Engr. Gerald Otiji, was publicized via the State Ministry of Information (MOI), under the leadership of the Commissioner, Mr. Aka Eze Aka.
The incident notification via MOI, which left no stone unturned, saw His Excellency, Gov. Peter Mbah, and his team of road monitoring experts, swing into action at the speed of light, to ascertain the root cause(s), provide solutions and further avert anymore disaster capable of endangering the premium safety of road users in the state.
Following thorough first-hand inspections of the collapsed bridge in place, with Gov. Mbah noting to God's glory that no life was lost, he proferred for the concession of all federal roads within each state to the state governments as the way to go, with sustainable maintenance follow-ups via viable funding models, in collaboration with private sectors.
In his words, "I think the question should be whether the current model of federal road maintenance is working or not; and I think that is the bigger question that we must ask.
“Today, we are here witnessing a tragedy that has just occurred. We are fortunate enough that no life was lost, but this could have been prevented entirely. So, the people can no longer ply this route because of this tragedy. This shows clearly that we do not have a sound federal road maintenance model.
“The bridge collapse didn’t just happen. These threats could have been identified if we had routine or regular maintenance.
“Perhaps the way to go is to find a way to concession these roads to the states. The states need to take charge of the roads within their domains and there has to be a conversation around the funding models”.
The State government has however advised commuters in state, to embark on their various destinations using Nza Street through New Haven, or Ogui Road and Abakaliki Roads, while repairs of the collapsed bridge is being effected.
