By Gloria Ikibah
The House of Representatives has directed a construction company ‘RCC Ltd’ to provide a smooth alternative lane for the movement of commuters while construction is ongoing in Eleme, Rivers State.
The House also directed the Federal Ministry of Works and RCC to ensure that there are traffic Marshalls on the road to direct traffic, ensure free flow of traffic and avoid gridlock of cars on the long stretch of the road under Construction.
The House also further asked the Federal Ministry of works to ensure that RCC steps up the pace of the road construction to ensure completion in record time.
These resolutions was sequel to the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance by Rep. Felix Uche on Tuesday at plenary.
Debating the motion, Rep. Uche explained that about 8pm on Friday the 26th day of April 2024, yet to be ascertained number of persons including a pregnant woman and children and over Eighty vehicles were burnt beyond recognition at the Eleme-Akpajo axis of the East/West road in Eleme Local Government Area of Rivers State.
According to him, the Incident occurred when a Tanker laden with petrol overturned and spilled its contents on the road leading to a fire outbreak.
The motion reads: “The Eleme axis of the East West road has been under construction by Messers Reynolds Construction Company (RCC) and that I had moved a Motion in June 2023 on the bad state of the road.
“Despite the importance of the road and the daily heavy traffic on that road, RCC has purportedly failed to provide a smooth alternative for commuters while the construction is done at a very slow rate.
“All the cars trapped in the fire were in a gridlock and had no way to reverse or escape from the incident.
The House adopted the motion and Also mandated the House Committee on Works to ensure compliance.