The Enugu State House of Assembly on Thursday called on the federal government to declare a state of emergency on federal roads in the state.

It equally urged the federal government to urgently embark on the reconstruction of the rail line from Port Harcourt to Maiduguri.

These were contained in a motion of urgent public importance on the deplorable condition of federal roads and the absence of rail lines in Enugu State moved by Obiajulu Ugwu (PDP), Enugu South Rural Constituency.

Ms Ugwu said the call had become important following Saturday’s fuel tanker fire explosion on the Ugwuonyeama section of the Enugu-Onitsha Expressway.

She urged the Minister of Works, David Umahi, to ensure that the second lane of the Enugu-Onitsha Expressway is completed as soon as possible.

According to her, the tragic explosion, which was avoidable, underscores the need for the government to address the deteriorating condition of federal roads in the state and South-East region.

“Most federal roads in the South-East, such as the Enugu-Onitsha Expressway, Enugu-Port Harcourt Expressway, Owerri-Aba Road, and the Umuahia-Ikot Ekpene Road, are in a severe state of disrepair.

“These roads are riddled with potholes, erosion sites, and failed bridges, thereby making them almost impassable.

“These deplorable roads have led to frequent accidents, loss of lives, and untold economic hardship for commuters, transporters, and residents of the affected areas, and it has heightened insecurity, with hoodlums and kidnappers exploiting the bad roads to attack innocent travellers.

“I urge the federal government to declare a state of emergency on federal roads in Enugu State and expedite rehabilitation on them, especially the Enugu-Onitsha Expressway,” Ms Ugwu said.

Osita Okoh, representing Enugu East urban constituency, said the motion was coming at the right time because of the recent mishap, adding that many lives have been lost on Ugwuonyeama Road.

Ms Okoh appealed to the federal government to complete the remaining lane and create an alternative road to serve as a bypass for heavy vehicles, especially those carrying inflammable substances.

Okey Mbah, representing Nkanu East Constituency, urged the federal government to embark on reconstruction of the rail line that would pass the state, noting that constructing the rail line would reduce the number of heavy trucks on the road.

The speaker of the House, Uche Ugwu, commended the mover of the motion for speaking on the immediate needs of the residents of Enugu State.

Mr Ugwu, while commiserating with families that lost their loved ones in the incident, asked the federal government to look into the deplorable road condition in Enugu State and the South-East region at large.

(NAN)