The Nigerian Senate has called on the Federal Government to utilize contingency funds in the Ministry of Works and Service Wide Votes in Finance to immediately repair the Zungeru bridge and other dilapidated bridges nationwide.
This directive is aimed at preventing further collapse, loss of lives, and protecting national assets to ensure the free flow of economic activities and security in the region.
Senator Sani Musa, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Finance, sponsored a motion titled “The Collapse of the Zungeru Bridge: Need for Urgent Repairs to Prevent Further Disruptions and Movement of People.”
The motion highlighted the critical condition of the Zungeru Bridge, originally designed for railway use but now serving both rail and motor vehicle traffic, posing significant pressure and threat of collapse.
“The Zungeru Bridge, a critical Federal infrastructure, has collapsed and its deteriorating condition poses a significant threat of collapse, which could lead to catastrophic consequences,” Senator Musa said. “Over 1,000 vehicles pass through the route daily, facilitating movement of people, essential goods, and food items.”
Musa further emphasized, “If urgent intervention measures are not put in place to address this infrastructural challenge, the continuous usage of the old bridge will lead to devastating social and economic consequences that could further aggravate insecurity and disrupt national supply chains.”
The Senate has also tasked the Federal Ministry of Works and the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) with conducting immediate repairs, rehabilitation, and reconstruction of the Zungeru and Kebbi Bridge. Additionally, the Ministry of Works and Nigerian Railway are to conduct structural assessments of the old bridge and implement measures to prevent further collapse.
Furthermore, the Senate has urged relevant authorities to assess and evaluate the state of bridges and dams across the country. This assessment aims to outline long-term strategies for sustaining federal infrastructures nationwide.
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“We must act swiftly to address this critical issue and prevent any further disruptions to the lives of Nigerians,” Senator Musa stressed. The Senate’s resolution seeks to address this infrastructural challenge and prevent disruptions to national supply chains, ultimately safeguarding the well-being of Nigerian citizens.