The House of Representatives has asked the Executive Arm of Government to urgently carry out comprehensive repairs of all federal roads with a view to easing the hardship currently being experienced by motorists and other road users during the rainy season.
The resolution followed the adoption of a motion under matters of urgent public importance on a motion on the humanitarian and security crisis as a result of the deplorable state of the Onitsha-Owerri expressway in the Southern part of the country.
Mr. Toby Okechukwu sponsor of the motion said the road is currently broken down by gully erosion making the road impassable and hot spots for bandits and other criminal activities.
Mr. Okechukwu also stated that “The portions of the Enugu-Onitsha expressway have been abandoned while portions of the Enugu-Porharcourt road are failing even with the contractors still on site.
Therefore the Minister of Works and Housing should commence immediate repair of the failed parts of the Onitsha-Owerri and investigate the reasons behind the failure of parts of the Enugu-Portharcourt road.”
Mr. Mohammed Tahir Monguno moved an amendment to incorporate all Federal roads in Nigeria that were eroded by the rains and are in terrible shapes should be captured in the prayers of the motion.
Mr. Nkem Abonta proposed an amendment to allow for permission for those who can partner with the government to handle the repairs of some of the roads under a mutual agreement with the government.
Adopting the motion, the House expressed concerned that the economic wellbeing of the people was in serious jeopardy which could lead to a great humanitarian and security crisis.
Nnenna.O
