The House of Representatives has urged the Federal Ministry of Works to immediately commence reconstruction of the collapse of the Namnai and Mayo Kam bridges in Taraba State to ease hardship being faced by the road users.
The House declared the two collapsed bridges as a national disaster and urged the Nigerian Army Engineering Corps to provide temporary measures to ease hardship being faced by the road users.
It urged the Federal Ministry of Works to provide necessary funds for the reconstruction of the bridge in the year 2024 budget.
The House mandated the House Committee on Appropriation Works to ensure that the funds for the reconstruction is provided and complied with.
These resolutions followed the adoption of a motion of urgent importance on an urgent need to construct the two bridges sponsored by Hon Jafaru Yakubu.
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The House noted that the Namnai and Mayo Kam bridges, a critical infrastructure connecting the northern eastern part of Nigeria and southern eastern part of Nigeria has totally collapsed.
It also noted that the Namnai and Mayo Kam bridges is a vital transportation artery was in a very good and safety condition serving millions of Nigerians daily.
It further noted that the heavy downpour experience in the state for days caused floods on the bridges and the area of the bridge could not withstand and finally succumbed the forces of nature, thereby totally collapsing, leaving citizens stranded and the economy severely impacted.
The House was disturbed that the collapse of the bridges disrupted commerce between the northeast part of the country and the southern part of the country, exacerbating economic hardship.
It said it was a humanitarian crisis as thousands of travellers and commuters carrying goods and services from Lagos, Onitsha, Port Harcourt, to the north eastern part of the country, are stranded, facing untold hardships.
The House was also disturbed that the bridge collapse has created a vulnerable entry point for criminal elements, thereby resulting in security risks.
The House noted that efforts of the Taraba State governor, Dr. Agbu Kefas, by providing high-power ferry boats to assist and alleviate the sufferings of road users is highly commendable.
The House agreed that the collapse of Namnai and Mayo Kam bridges demand swift and decisive action.
“We must act now to alleviate the sufferings of our citizens restore economic vitality, and ensure national security,” the motion reads.