The Nigerian government has deployed a team of Engineers to investigate the cause of a collapsed Artisan Bridge on the Enugu-Port Harcourt Expressway and find a solution to rebuild the bridge.
This is stated in a statement issued by the Ministry of Works’ Director of Information, Blessing Lere-Adams.
“It has been recommended by the Engineers on site that the entire collapsed span be demolished, redesigned and re-constructed to avert future occurrences and loss of lives,” the statement reads.
The statement also revealed that the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi visited the site of the collapsed bridge and promised that the government would do everything possible to ensure that the collapsed Bridge is reconstructed with quality materials such as concrete.
Yesterday, my team and I visited the collapsed bridge near the NNPC Mega Station in Enugu in response to a distress call from Governor Dr. Peter Mbah.
Despite the unfortunate sight, we are committed to conducting an integrity test on the remaining road, redirecting traffic, and… pic.twitter.com/hVKnC5uohn
— David Nweze Umahi (@realdaveumahi) September 29, 2023
According to the Minister, the use of Concrete Technology to rebuild the bridge will make the bridge last for up to 50 years without requiring maintenance.
Yesterday evening, I had the pleasure of welcoming the Minister of Works, Engr. Dave Umahi, to Enugu State. The minister who came to inspect the collapsed bridge between the New Artisan flyover and the Naira Triangle, at the Enugu – Port Harcourt expressway, assured me of its… pic.twitter.com/vtMMbrXZed
— Peter Ndubuisi Mbah (@PNMbah) September 29, 2023
The Governor of Enugu State, Peter Mba, expressed appreciation to the President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the immediate response to assess the collapse through the Minister’s visit.
The affected Bridge was constructed in the late 1970s and its collapse took place on Wednesday afternoon 27th September 2023.