Enugu bridge collapses, Mbah Presses FG To Develop A New Model Of Road Upkeep [GALLERY]

Dr. Peter Mbah, the governor of Enugu State, has called for a new strategy for maintaining roads to ensure that they are in better shape and last longer for Nigerians, noting that the current strategy had failed miserably.

Mbah made the call while on the Enugu-Port Harcourt Expressway, at the location of the bridge that had collapsed between the NNPC Mega Station and the New Artisan overpass.

"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."

New Artisan bridge collapsed on Monday, leaving commuters stranded.

The government has advised commuters to use Nza Street through New Haven or travel 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, according to a statement signed by the Enugu State Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Engr. Gerald Otiji.

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