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Reconstruction Set to Begin on Enugu-Port-Harcourt Expressway Bridge
The reconstruction of the collapsed Enugu-Port-Harcourt Expressway bridge is set to commence today, November 10, as announced by the Governor of Enugu State, Peter Mbah, during a pre-reconstruction visit to the site with the Minister of Works, Dave Umahi.
The bridge, which collapsed between the New Artisan and New Triangle section of the Enugu-Port Harcourt Expressway in September, prompted urgent calls from the Enugu State House of Assembly for federal intervention. The response has been swift, with Governor Mbah and Minister Umahi inspecting the site on Thursday.
Governor Mbah outlined the plan for reconstruction, stating that initial palliative work would begin on one lane of the still-standing bridge to make it usable within the next 10 days. He further revealed that full reconstruction of both lanes is scheduled for mid-December.
Expressing gratitude to the President and the Minister of Works for their prompt attention, Governor Mbah remarked, “I thank Mr. President and the minister of works for the interest and the speed at which they have attended to this challenge that is before us.”
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Minister Umahi disclosed that funds for the reconstruction project had been released by President Tinubu, covered in the 2023 Supplementary Budget recently signed into law. Additionally, the Federal Government plans to initiate a construction project at the flyover at the Eke Emene depot soon.
As Minister Umahi highlighted, “While he is doing that, we will be doing the flyover at the depot (Eke Emene) to complement it. Therefore, it is a partnership, and it is a healthy one.” This collaborative effort reflects a commitment to infrastructure development, ensuring that both the Enugu-Port-Harcourt Expressway bridge and related projects receive timely attention and resources.
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Overhead Bridge Collapse Shakes New Artisan Market in Enugu State
A dramatic incident unfolded on September 25, 2023, in the Enugu State Capital as an overhead bridge near the New Artisan Market collapsed. The terrifying incident occurred while a fully loaded truck and an unidentified lorry were on the bridge, leading to severe damage and widespread attention on social media.
Videos shared online captured the shocking moment when the bridge gave way, revealing the extent of the destruction caused by the sudden collapse. Fortunately, reports suggest that there were no casualties resulting from the incident.
Enugu State authorities swiftly responded to the situation, with the Commissioner for Works in the State, Engr. Gerald Otiji issued a statement addressing the incident. In the statement, Engr. Otiji urged members of the public to seek alternative routes as the affected area was assessed and repaired.
The statement reads: “The Enugu State Ministry of Works and Infrastructure wishes to notify the General public of the bridge collapse which occurred on 25th September 2023 along Kilometer One, Enugu Port Harcourt Expressway, i.e., between Naira Triangle and Goshen Flyover. The general public and road users are now advised to detour to Nza through New Haven, or Ogui Road to their various destinations, while the authorities are coming up with measures for immediate repair on the failed section.”
The collapse of the overhead bridge highlights the importance of regular maintenance and safety inspections of critical infrastructure. Authorities are expected to conduct a thorough investigation to determine the cause of the collapse and implement measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.
As the affected area is being repaired and restored, residents and commuters in Enugu State are advised to exercise caution, follow the guidance of authorities, and use alternative routes to ensure their safety and convenience.
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Governor Uzodinma Commissions A 42 Bed Hospital And A Bridge
Expanding Healthcare Access in Imo State: A New Hospital and Bridge Unveiled
Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodinma, is making significant strides in improving healthcare and infrastructure in the state. Recently, he inaugurated a 42-bed general hospital in Oguta Local Government Area, a move aimed at addressing the dire need for better healthcare facilities and reducing the high mortality rate in the state, which currently stands at a staggering 75%.
During the commissioning ceremony, Governor Uzodinma reiterated his administration’s unwavering commitment to utilizing the 13% derivation funds for the betterment of the people of Imo State, with the ultimate goal of fostering collective prosperity.
In a touching tribute to a luminary figure in Imo State’s history, the late Senator Francis Nzeribe, Governor Uzodinma named the newly commissioned hospital after him. Senator Nzeribe, born in Oguta in 1938, served as a Senator for the Orlu Senatorial constituency in Imo State, representing the People’s Democratic Party (PDP). His contributions to the state and the nation as a whole were immense. Sadly, he passed away in May 2022 at the age of 83.
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In addition to the hospital, Governor Uzodinma also unveiled a 12-meter asphalted bridge that connects six communities in Oguta and establishes a vital link to Anambra State. This bridge not only enhances connectivity but also promotes economic and social interactions among communities.
The hospital’s inauguration marks a significant milestone, especially considering that it was constructed after decades of neglect. It reflects Governor Uzodinma’s dedication to fulfilling his promises of Shared Prosperity and comprehensive infrastructural development in Imo State.
This initiative underscores the importance of accessible and quality healthcare services for the people of Imo State. It also demonstrates the government’s commitment to improving the overall well-being and prosperity of the state’s residents. With these essential projects, Governor Uzodinma is shaping a brighter and healthier future for Imo State.
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Anambra Residents Give Accolade To FG Over Speedy Work on 2nd Niger Bridge
Anambra Residents Give Accolade To FG Over Speedy Work on 2nd Niger Bridge
After initial skepticism about the sincerity of the Federal Government to construct the 2nd Niger Bridge, many residents of Onitsha in Anambra State are now showering praises on the government, as the project is indeed becoming a reality.
Newsmen visited the bridge weekend and observed that the tempo of work is increasing by the day.
At the rate the work is going, the project might be completed before the targeted date of 28th February, 2022. Elated by the progress of work on the bridge, those who spoke to press said the work had come to a stage that it would no longer be abandoned.
Mr. Chijioke Nwamadi, a welder at the Onitsha-Atani road said he never believed that the 2nd Niger Bridge would be constructed in his lifetime after years of playing politics with it until he started seeing serious work going on.
“For years, we were hearing of 2nd Niger Bridge, especially when elections were drawing near, but now the project has become a reality. I hope God will keep me alive to drive on this bridge when it is completed and I want to commend the current administration for giving us this landmark project,” Nwamadi said.
His worry, however, is that with his workshop very close to the bridge, he might be sacked from the place sooner than later as the people have been warning him to leave the place. He added that he was already looking for a safer place to relocate before it is too late.
A trader, Mr. Johnson Nnadiugwu said he has been following the progress of work on the bridge with delight, adding that apart from the fact that some of his relations secured employment with the construction company handling the bridge, he is looking forward to a day vehicles would start plying the 2nd Niger Bridge.
Nnadiugwu said even if toll gates would eventually be mounted on the bridge, it would still be better than what motorists were passing through on the existing bridge. The decision to construct another bridge across the River Niger was informed by the fact that the existing Niger Bridge, which was built in 1965, had become somewhat of a risk due to age, excessive axle load and immense traffic congestion arising from enhanced economic activities on the South-East — South-West transport corridor.
The new bridge is intended to reduce the strain on the existing Niger Bridge, improve traffic flow, reduce vehicle running cost and generally enhance socio-economic activities in the South- East region.
The ground-breaking ceremony for the 2nd Niger Bridge was performed on 10th March, 2014 signaling the take-off of the construction of the very important national infrastructure, with the construction giant, Messrs Julius Berger (Nig.) Plc as the main contractor.
The construction of the main works of the 2nd Niger Bridge is one of the three phases of the new alignment conceived to originate at the Benin-Asaba Expressway Interchange and terminate at the Onitsha-Enugu Expressway Interchange.
The total length of the project is 11.9Km, which includes the construction of the Second Niger Bridge located 1.7Km downstream of the existing Niger Bridge, with a length of approximately 1.6Km from the Asaba end to the Onitsha -Owerri interchange. Construction commenced on 1st September, 2018, with projected completion date of February 28, 2022.
As at last weekend, percentage completion of the main works was 20.66 per cent while the overall percentage completion was 23.81 per cent. Sand filling on both the Onitsha and Asaba ends of the bridge is in progress and the new bridge would be about three times wider than the present bridge.
The length of the main bridge is approximately 1,600km across the River Niger, while a total of 10.3km of approach roads is being constructed. This is made up of 3.3km on the Asaba side and 7.0km on the Onitsha side of the main bridge.
The existing flyover on the Obosi bypass of the Onitsha- Owerri interchange is to be demolished for a more convenient interchange. On completion of the bridge, travelers to and from the South –South and other parts of the South-East would no longer have to enter Onitsha unless by choice.
Federal Controller of Works in Anambra State, Mr. Adeyemo Ajani said weekend that over 80 per cent underwater piling had been completed, while only few pillars were yet to spring up, after which the main panels would begin to take their position. According to him, the design of the bridge is such that it could stay over 100 years before showing any sign of decay underneath.