The House of Representatives Committee on Works has been directed to provide for the construction of the Lokoja-Shintaku Bridge and rehabilitation of the Shintaku-Dekina-Anyigba Road in the 2012 budget.
The directive was sequel to a motion moved by Rep. Tom Zakari (PDP-Kogi), which was unanimously adopted when put to vote by the Deputy Speaker, Chief Emeka Ihedioha.?
Zakari had argued that the Abuja-Lokoja highway had become dangerous to motorists, due to accidents which occurred on it daily.
He explained that the accidents had also led to serious injuries and loss of lives in some cases.
According to the lawmaker, the accidents are caused by heavy traffic and congestion on the road.
He maintained that the construction of the bridge across the Lokoja-Shinkatu River as well as rehabilitation of the 80km Anyiba-Dekina Shintaku highway would enhance economic opportunities, saying that commuters from the South East, South South and North Central were major users of the route.
“The House is desirous to boost the economic activities of the regions and to provide the people of Kogi State unhindered access to economic opportunities in the Federal Capital Territory.”
In another motion entitled: “Petrol Tanker Explosion in Mile 2 Motor Park of Amuwo-Odofin Federal Constituency of Lagos State,” the House urged the Federal Ministry of Works to repair all dilapidated federal roads in Lagos and across the nation.
It also called on the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), to urgently send relief materials to the victims of the inferno and to assist the commercial vehicles owners whose cars were burnt.
It commiserated with the Government of Lagos State and families who lost loved ones to the fire.
The motion, moved by Rep. Olukolu Tunji (ACN-Lagos), was referred to the Committees on Works, Emergency Preparedness and Disaster for further inputs.?