From Fred Itua, Abuja
The Senate, yesterday, urged the Federal Government to immediately intervene and fix the dilapidated Onitsha-Enugu dual carriage way, noting that travellers in that axis are traumatised.
Sponsor of the motion and Senator representing Ebonyi North Senatorial District, Sam Egwu, said a one hour journey on that road now takes about five hours.
He further noted although the raod has strat egic great economic importance to the South-eastern part of the country, it has not received the needed government attention since 1999. He said the collapse of the road has led to a decline in agricultural and economic activities in the area.
“The circle of this road has expired and the heavy vehicular movement on the road, coupled with years of neglect, have accelerated the state of disrepair and collapse of the road.
“As a result of the abandonment of the road by the contractor handling it, commuters reverted to use of old road which has again collapsed as a result of heavy vehicular movement,” Senator Egwu added.
The Senate, thereafter, mandated its committee on Works to ascertain the level of disrepair of the roadd with a view to making recommendations to members.
It also mandated the committee to work with relevant government agencies to fashion out a way the private sector can be involved in road management.