TheCable

David Umahi, the minister of works, says the federal government would commence immediate reconstruction of the collapsed Enugu-Port Harcourt bridge.

The minister made the promise after Peter Mbah, governor of Enugu, decried the poor state of federal roads in the south-east region.

After visiting the collapsed bridge alongside the governor, Umahi said the federal government would provide alternative roads for the people pending the reconstruction of the failed section. 

“We have gotten your letter on that and I will be sending my men to come and evaluate it,” he said. 

“I can assure you that within the next 7 days you must hear from us; we are doing the drains, and will give you our standard and bills of quantities.

“We are going to look at the second bridge and see how far the remedial work will be done on it. We are going to scale up the reconstruction of the two bridges alongside the road construction.

“I want to assure you that I have directed the contractor to do everything possible to provide an alternative road.

“We are going to work on the second bridge to ascertain the integrity of the bridge and see if we can use it while we demolish the collapsed one and start the reconstruction.

“I believe the contractor is hearing us and the process will start immediately.”

On his part, Mbah appreciated the federal government for its prompt response to the bridge collapse, saying that it underscored the president’s commitment to fixing the nation. 

“He is committed to lead with compassion and run an inclusive government, and that is what we are seeing here today,” Mbah said.

“This is a major gateway road so we cried out to the FG for expeditious action.”