Governor Peter Mbah says the federal government has begun the reconstruction of the collapsed Enugu-Port Harcourt Expressway bridge.

The governor said the reconstruction began with palliative work on one lane of the bridge still standing to ensure it was ready for use within the next 10 days.

Mr Mbah said this when he and works minister David Umahi paid a pre-reconstruction visit to the site on Thursday.

“I thank Mr President and the minister of works for the interest and the speed at which they have attended to this challenge that is before us,” said the Enugu governor. “As we know, the minister was here to inspect and to identify areas of quick intervention the last time we came here, and I am happy now to announce that the minister has come to inform us again that work is going to start here on Friday.”

Mr Mbah added, “There is going to be the repair of the existing lane, and hopefully, within the next 10 days, our people should be able to use one of the lanes. Effectively around the middle of next month, the full work on the bridges on both lanes will start.”

Mr Umahi promised that “this week, we are going to do palliative work on the bridge.”

The minister revealed that President Bola Tinubu released money for the palliative work in the 2023 Supplementary Budget.

“I know the governor is very eager to build the federal Enugu-Abakaliki Road. He has concluded the design and work will start in earnest. While he is doing that, we will be doing the flyover at the depot (Eke Emene) to complement it,” Mr Umahi explained. “Therefore, it is a partnership, and it is a healthy one.” 

(NAN)