By Edeki Igafe
Mrs Queen Chigbo, Chairman, Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), Warri Branch, has called for the redesign and construction of a proper bridge at the failed section of the East-West Road in Agbarho, Delta.
Chigbo made the call during an on-the-spot assessment of the road failure at Agbarho in Ughelli North Local Government Area of the state.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that a section of the East-West Road at the Agbarho axis collapsed on Monday following torrential rainfall that began on Sunday.
The development rendered the busy corridor impassable to motorists and commuters, forcing travellers to seek alternative routes or trek through the affected area.
Chigbo, who was accompanied by members of the NSE Warri Branch, expressed concern over the volume of water and amount of dirt around the waterway.
She said the dirt carried by the water could obstruct the culvert, which she described as inadequate for the volume of water flowing through it.
“During the inspection, we observed that the culvert through which the water flows from one end to the other appears grossly inadequate.
“It was grossly inadequate for the volume of water being discharged, thereby contributing to the observed flooding and eventual collapse of the road.
“There should be a complete redesign and construction of a proper bridge on the failed portion instead of the culvert to forestall future occurrences,” she said.
Chigbo said the road caved in following heavy rainfall on Sunday and Monday, leaving both lanes unmotorable and causing hardship for commuters.
She, however, said one lane of the collapsed portion had been temporarily reinforced to ease movement.
The NSE chairman commended Mrs Stella Okotete, Executive Director, Business Development, Nigerian Export-Import Bank (NEXIM), and the Delta Government for their prompt intervention.
Other members of the NSE team were: Mr Joseph Eghwrudje, Mr Cyprian Ekeleme, Mr Charles Ehizogie, Dr Akpe Akpoteheri and the Warri Branch Assistant Secretary, Mr Emmanuel Mudi.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Grace Alegba
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