Kebbi Gov't Appeals FG for Urgent Repairs of a Collapsed Bridge linking Lagos with North West

The Kebbi State Government has appealed to the Federal Government for urgent repairs of the collapsed bridge at Liba, along the Jega-Koko Road, a Federal Highway of strategic importance as a major gateway linking Lagos and other parts of the Northwest. 

This follows the bridge's second collapse since last year, despite the state government's efforts to carry out rehabilitation works pending permanent repairs by the Federal Government.

The Kebbi State Deputy Governor, Senator Umar Abubakar Tafida, made this appeal during an inspection visit to the site. 

He recalled that the state government had previously invited the Federal Ministry of Works to inspect and assess the damage, but unfortunately, the recommended repairs were not carried out.

Senator Tafida assured that the Kebbi State Government is committed to collaborating with the Federal Ministry of Works to address the issue. The state government has been proactive in making repairs on other bridges and culverts devastated by floods on federal roads, including the Birnin Kebbi Makera-Kangiwa Road and Argungu-Birnin Kebbi Road at Alwasa.

The Deputy Governor explained that the state government's effort is aimed to mitigate the impact of the collapsed bridge on the local economy and ensure the safety of commuters. He urged the Federal Ministry of Works to take urgent action on the state's infrastructure to support economic activities and protect the lives of citizens.

According to him, the Kebbi State Government's plea to the Federal Government underscores the importance of collective efforts to address infrastructure challenges and ensure the state's economic potential is not hindered by inadequate transportation networks.

Earlier in his address, the State Controller, Federal Ministry of Works, Engr. Vandu Ishaya, explained that his team was at the site of the collapsed bridge to ensure precautionary measures were put in place to make people aware and guard against road accident. 

He said the Minister of Works has directed his office to make an assessment and report to him. He then solicited the support of the State Government towards the reconstruction of the bridge.

The Deputy Governor was accompanied on the inspection visit by the Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Yakubu Bala Tafida, Head of Service, Alhaji Malami Muhammad Shekare, Commissioners, and other personalities.