“MATTER OF URGENT PUBLIC IMPORTANCE”

NEED TO IMMEDIATELY REPAIR THE FAILING SECTIONS OF THE EAST/WEST ROAD PARTICULARLY THE BAYELSA/RIVERS AND BAYELSA/DELTA AXIS AND COMPLETE THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE ROAD.

Sponsored by:

• Hon. Prof. Steve Azaiki, OON
• Hon. Frederick Yietiemone Agbedi
• Hon. Preye Influence Oseke
• Hon. Israel Sunny Goli
• Hon. Fred Azibapu Obua
• Hon. Ndudi Godwin Elumelu
• Hon. Peter O. Akpatason MNI.
• Hon. Efe Anthony Afe
• Hon. Julius Pondi
• Hon. Chinyere Igwe PhD.
• Hon. Solomon Bob
• Hon. Princess Miriam Onuoha
• Hon. Awaji-Inombek D. Abiante
• Hon. Uzoma Nkem Abonta
• Hon. Boma Goodhead
• Hon. Aniekan John Umanah
• Hon. Francis Agbo
• Hon. Onofiok Akpan Luke
• Hon. Eyong Michael Okon
• Hon. Asuquo Daniel Effiong
• Hon. Agibe Chris Ngoro

The House:

NOTES that the East/ West Road which was constructed decades ago is one of the most important roads in Nigeria and its contribution to the economy and development of the country cannot be overemphasized.

ALSO NOTES that the East/West Road is spanning five states, Rivers, Bayelsa, Delta, Akwa-Ibom and Cross-River state. This road is in the heart of the oil rich Niger Delta where the oil revenue is derived and hence very vital. The deplorable condition of the road makes traffic very heavy all season.

FURTHER NOTES that it is in recognition of the importance of this road, that the administration of President Olusegun Obansanjo approved the construction of a second carriageway and the rehabilitation of the existing one. Sadly, this road is yet to be completed.

INFORMED that a greater portion of the road in these states have failed even as the project contracted to SETRACO construction company has been abandoned. The road has become a death trap and causes nightmares to commuters who has to unavoidably use the road.

FURTHER INFORMED that in particular some sections of the road in Bayelsa shall cut off in the coming few days as the rains intensify. This immediacy can only be saved if the Federal Government intervenes without any further delay.

BELIEVES, that there is the need to urgently repair these failing, sinking sections of the road to avert more loss of lives, properties and ameliorate the hardship experienced by road users and ensure that the entire road is completed.

RESOLVE TO:

1. Urge the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs to direct the contractor Messers SETRACO and any other contractors to immediately return to site and do the needful.
2. Ensure that Niger Delta Affairs Ministry and SETRACO rehabilitate immediately the most threatened sections in Rivers/Bayelsa and Bayelsa/Delta axis to avoid the cut-off of these portions of the road.
3. Urge the Federal Government to redeem all liabilities owed contractors on the construction of the road.
4. Urge the Federal Government and Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs to complete this important economic road without any further delay.

Mr. Speaker, Honourable Colleagues, we so move.