Worried by the economic hardship and dilemma motorists and their passengers face at the collapsed bridge between Mbiaso to Mbiokporo II in Nsit Ibom local government area of Akwa Ibom State, the State House of Assembly has called on the Ministry of Works and Fire Service to ensure the reconstruction of the bridge and restore the road connecting the two communities.
This was contained in a motion sponsored by the Member representing Nsit Ibom State Constituency, Eric Akpan at the plenary on Friday and seconded by Otobong Bob, member representing Nsit Ibium State Constituency.
Akpan noted that many motorists and passengers have become stranded because of the deplorable condition of the road and the collapsed bridge had rendered the route impassable.
He said, “Hundreds of passengers and vehicles have been stranded following the collapse of the bridge linking Mbiaso and Mbiokporo II Communities in Nsit Ibom Local Government Area. Motorists and their passengers are now left in a dilemma as crossing from Mbiaso to Mbiokporo II or vice versa has become closely impossible.”
He lamented that a structurally deficient bridge can close traffic at any time and can equally stall business activities as well as cause injuries, loss of lives and damages to property.
He prayed the state government, through the Ministry of Works and Fire Service to “prioritize and expedite the intervention necessary to timeously reconstruct the collapsed bridge and restore the road connecting both communities to alleviate the economic hardship faced by these communities.”
He also prayed that the State Ministry of Works and Fire Service in collaboration with environmental agencies to conduct a thorough assessment of the erosion patterns in the area and implement sustainable measures to mitigate future erosion risks.
However, the Speaker, Elder Udeme Otong, had referred the motion to the joint House Committees on Works and Environment, charging them to relate with the Commissioner for Works and Fire Service, Prof Eno Ibanga for prompt action.
Akwa Ibom Assembly demands immediate reconstruction of collapsed bridge in Nsit Ibom