SENATOR NNAJI MAKE CASE FOR ISIUZO COUNCIL AREA OF ENUGU STATE
The attention of the federal government has been drawn to the difficulties currently being experienced by the rural peoples of Isi-Uzo local government of Enugu State following the collapse of Ebenyi River Bridge in Ikem.
Presenting a motion on RECURRING COLLAPSE OF BAILEY BRIDGES NATIONWIDE, Senator Gilbert Nnaji called on the federal government through the Federal Roads Maintenance Authority (FERMA) to urgently re-construct the fallen bridge.
Prince Nnaji noted that the collapse of the bridge which connects several communities in Enugu State as well as Ebonyi, Benue and other northern states has caused untold hardship “for commuters, motorists and other road users; as they have to terminate their journeys at different ends of the river and then swim across to the other end to continue their journeys.
He further urged federal ministry of Power, Works and Housing to conduct immediate census of all Bailey bridges nationwide with a view to reconstructing them as a proactive measure against possible loss of lives and properties in the areas where they still exist.
Addressing journalists shortly after plenary, Senator Nnaji hinted that “ the Obollo Afor-Ikem- Eha Amufu-Nkalagu Road which is the nearest alternative route for commuters, motorists, road users, natives, farmers, etc. is still below 30 per cent completion and therefore unusable leading to the rechanneling of traffic into Ikem-Neke- Ugwuogo Road thereby causing undue pressure on the road and brigde; He expressed optimism that this motion would also generate further government interest on the Obollo Afor-Ikem-Eha Amufu-Nkalagu Road towards speedy completion. It would be recalled that the people of Amafor- Ugbawka in Nkanu-East LGA suffered similar fate for years until Senator Gilbert Nnaji came to their rescue when he personally constructed a massive concrete bridge replacing the make-shift arrangement in place by community efforts. Bailey bridges which were developed and used during the Second World War were built in Nigeria during the pre- and post-independence era up to few years after the Nigerian civil war, to provide temporary crossing for foot and vehicle traffic. They were made from pre-fabricated metal truss and installed in various parts of Nigeria and pose the risk of either caving in or collapsing due to age and pressure, thereby causing untold hardship to commuters, motorists and other road users.
After debates across party line, senate finally mandated its Committee on Works to undertake an inventory of all Bailey bridges nationwide with particular attention to their year of construction and current status and to invite the Minister of Power, Works and Housing to brief the Committee on a viable plan of action for the reconstruction of all Bailey bridges nationwide and to report back to the Senate within 4 weeks; and then directed the Federal Roads Maintenance Authority (FERMA) to urgently re- construct the collapsed Bailey bridge across Ebenyi River at Ikem in Isi-Uzo Local Government Area of Enugu State as well as other collapsed Bailey bridges across the country.

for those who don't know the senator, he represents Enugu East senatorial zone...and he has established a reputation of silent lawmaker for himself.