Senator Osita Ngwu, the Senate Minority Whip, has urged the federal government to declare a state of emergency on the rehabilitation of the 9th Mile to 82 Division Expressway in Enugu State, particularly the Ugwuonyeama section.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!The call comes on the heels of a tragic accident that occurred on January 25, 2025, involving a PMS-laden truck that collided with vehicles and erupted in flames, claiming 11 lives and injuring many.
Senator Ngwu, who represents Enugu West Senatorial District, emphasized the urgent need for the federal government to resolve its issues with MTN, the sponsor of the road project through the tax credit scheme, to enable the contractor, RCC, to expedite the project and rehabilitate the second lane of the expressway.
The road project, which has been under rehabilitation for over 15 years, has been plagued by delays due to underfunding and payment issues. Senator Ngwu lamented the frequent fatal accidents on the road, noting that motorists are forced to use a single completed lane due to the delayed reconstruction of the other lane, leading to increased head-on collisions.
“The deplorable state of this road has led to numerous fatalities,” Senator Ngwu said. “In June 2024, several people died in a crash involving 29 travelers, and in July 2023, six people were killed in another accident. These tragedies must not continue.”
The Senator also urged the federal government to deploy first responders along major highways to provide immediate care to accident victims. He extended condolences to the victims’ families and the Enugu State government, praying for their fortitude.
The call for a state of emergency on the expressway’s rehabilitation underscores the urgency of addressing the road’s condition to prevent further loss of lives. The federal government’s prompt response to this call is eagerly awaited by the people of Enugu State and other road users.