The Enugu-Port Harcourt Expressway collapsed bridge will have one lane reopened for use by December 24, according to the Enugu State Government.
Mr. Gerald Otiji, the state Commissioner for Works, shared this update during a briefing with reporters after the Friday State Executive Council meeting at the Government House, Enugu.
On November 9, Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State had announced that the Federal Government would commence reconstruction work on the collapsed bridge. He mentioned that the reconstruction would begin with palliative work on the one standing lane of the bridge to ensure it is ready for use within the next 10 days.
Otiji disclosed that the Federal Ministry of Work is collaborating with the Enugu State Ministry of Works for the reconstruction of the Artisan Cattle Market Bridge. He also mentioned plans to direct trucks to ply the road instead of entering the state capital, with the support of a traffic management team to regulate traffic in the state.
Addressing water supply concerns, Otiji urged residents to be patient and assured that the government is working to restore water to their taps. He attributed the stoppage in water reticulation to damage and burst pipes, apologizing for any inconvenience caused to residents. He explained that the excavated pipes were laid by Dr. Michael Okpara, the Premier of the South-East region, around 50 years ago. Otiji encouraged residents to report any burst water to the Ministry of Water Resources.
The Commissioner for Information and Communication, Aka Eze Aka, added that burst pipes indicate the need for replacement work on old pipes. He acknowledged ongoing efforts by the government and urged people to understand the ongoing work.
Regarding transportation, the Enugu State Commissioner for Transport, Mr. Obi Ozo, explained collaborative efforts by relevant agencies to ensure effective traffic management during Christmas celebrations. He mentioned the establishment of an inter-ministerial committee comprising Enugu State Traffic Management Agency, Federal Road Safety Corps, the police, army, and local government chairmen in different council areas to manage traffic.
Speaking on agriculture, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Agroindustrialization, Mr. Patrick Uburu, highlighted the state’s robust State Agricultural Roadmap aimed at ensuring food security and stimulating economic growth over a four-year period from 2023 to 2027. He emphasized the policy’s focus on job creation, empowering farmers, poverty reduction, and sustainable agriculture.
(NAN)