The Senior Special Assistant to President Muhammadu Buhari on Niger Delta Matters, Sen. Ita Enang, has ordered the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) to dismantle some of the roadblocks around the Calabar-Itu Bridge.
The Presidential Aide, who was on a tour to ascertain the level of ongoing construction of the Highway, gave the order to the FRSC operatives on ground following the gridlock the roadblock mounted at both sides of the road has caused and its attendant effects on the bridge.
Enang said the multiple roadblocks at both ends of the bridge have led to frequent traffic congestion on the bridge, saying that such was harmful to the lifespan of the bridge.
He regretted that the vibration experienced by commuters on the bridge was due to frequent traffic delays especially the heavy trucks which spend several hours on the bridge.
Enang, who recalled that he was there four months ago said, “I had said that traffic congestion on the bridge should be reduced, but you told me that it was because of security challenges, that was why we made sure that there was another security checkpoint at the other end.
“Please keep this far away from the bridge, a bridge is not easy to construct, let’s have a free flow on the four-lane, at least in the daytime, and with the ongoing construction work, we need a free flow of traffic. I want the road to be free so that people can leave the waterways. Let no truck stand on the bridge for hours.
“If this bridge collapses, it may take a long time for another one to be constructed, so let us handle the one we have with care.”
