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By Iheanyi Chukwudi
Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah, on Monday called for a new road maintenance model to guarantee a better condition and longevity of Nigerian roads, regretting that the current model had failed woefully.
The Governor who spoke when he visited the scene of the collapsed flyover bridge across Enugu-Port Harcourt Expressway at New Artisan Market Enugu capital city for a first-hand inspection of the scene of the disaster, thanked God that no life was lost despite the magnitude of the incident, but urged the federal government to consider a concession of all the federal roads in each state to the state governments for proper maintenance in conjunction with the private sector.
Mbah said, “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.”
Meanwhile, the State Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Gerald Otiji, in a statement advised commuters to use Nza Street through New Haven or ply Ogui Road and Abakaliki Road to their various destinations, while the authorities come up with measures for immediate repair on the failed section of the bridge.
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