The Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly has called on the Ministry of Works and Fire Service to reconstruct the collapaed bridge and restore the road that connect Mbiaso to Mbiokporo II in Nsit Ibom Local Government Area of the state.
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 explained 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.”
The lawmaker decried that a structurally deficient bridge can close traffic at any time and can equally disrupt commercial 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.
The Speaker, Elder Udeme Otong, had referred the motion to the joint House Committees on Works and Environment, calling on them to relate with the Commissioner for Works and Fire Service, Prof Eno Ibanga for prompt action.
