THE Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi, has direct immediate intervention for the damaged flyover at Keffi caused by an overburdened truck carrying an excavator.
The impact of the collision completely dislodged one of the beams and damaged two others. The on-the-spot assessment was undertaken by the minister, who was accompanied by the Director of Press and Public Relations, Mal. Mohammed A. Ahmed, the Deputy Director, Design and Bridges, Engr. Musa Seidu, Federal Controller of Works, FCT, Engr. Yakubu Usman and other officials.
He said that he had directed the Permanent Secretary, Engr. Olufunso Adebiyi, along with a team of engineers, to visit the damaged infrastructure on the day of the incident.
Following their preliminary inspection, which revealed visible cracks on the structure caused by the force of the impact, he ordered the immediate closure of the affected carriageway of the flyover to traffic to prevent further damage, as well as mitigate risk.
While one beam has fallen entirely and damaged the walkway and parapet, the other two beams, though damaged, have retained their structural integrity, according to the engineers.
The underpass has been cleared, but the overpass remains closed as a precaution.
Umahi appealed to Messrs CGC (Nigeria) Limited, the contractor currently working in the FCT, to urgently begin the redesign and molding of a replacement beam, while salvaging the other two that were partially affected.
The process is expected to take approximately 30 days, after which a strength test will be conducted before reinstallation.
He emphasised that the integrity of the structure will be fully restored before reopening it for vehicular traffic.
These emergency repairs, he revealed, will be handled through an intervention fund, pending the release of resources.
He assured the general public that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is fully aware of the unfortunate incident and has directed immediate remedial action to restore the facility, which serves a critical transport corridor. He also commiserated with the families that lost their loved ones, while wishing the wounded, quick recovery.
The ministry will continue to work closely with the contractor and other relevant stakeholders to ensure a swift and safe reconstruction exercise.
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