The Senate on Wednesday urged the Federal Government to intervene urgently in the collapse of a key bridge and deteriorating sections of the Okija Spur Road in Anambra State, warning that prolonged inaction could endanger lives and worsen economic hardship in affected communities.
The upper chamber specifically called on the Federal Ministry of Works and the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) to carry out an immediate engineering inspection of the collapsed old bridge and other failed sections of the road, while initiating emergency measures to restore at least temporary and safe connectivity.
The Senate also mandated its Committee on Works to oversee all intervention activities related to the Okija Spur Road, the collapsed bridge, and the completion of the new bridge.
The resolutions followed the consideration of a motion titled “Need for the rehabilitation of Okija Spur – Ihembosi – Ukpor – Ebenator – Ezinifite Road,” sponsored by Senator Emmanuel Nwachukwu (APGA, Anambra South).
Presenting the motion, Senator Nwachukwu said the Okija Spur Road remains one of the most critical intra-regional corridors in Anambra South, linking communities and supporting commerce, agriculture, education, healthcare, and other socio-economic activities.
He noted that the old bridge along the route collapsed on March 5, 2025, “completely shutting down movement, endangering lives and severely disrupting economic and social connectivity across the affected communities.”
According to the senator, the new bridge over the Ulasi Stream, under construction for more than a decade, is only about 70% complete, with pillars erected and deck components fabricated but not installed, leaving the corridor impassable.
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Senator Nwachukwu also raised concerns over the deteriorated condition of several portions of the Okija Spur Road, particularly between Ukpor and Ebenato, noting that the collapse of the old bridge and the incomplete new bridge has increased safety risks, transportation costs, and hardships for residents and road users.
He urged swift federal action to stabilise the corridor, restore access, support local livelihoods, and prevent further deterioration of the infrastructure.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio directed the Committee on Works to liaise with the Federal Ministry of Works and FERMA to ensure the project’s prompt completion, stressing the need to improve safety along the corridor amid concerns over kidnappers and bandits.