In response to the recent crash at the Ovia River Bridge, the Edo State Government has taken a swift action to address the situation and prevent future accidents after the Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Philip Shaibu, accompanied by officials from the Ministry of Roads and Bridges and other relevant agencies, conducted an on-the-spot assessment to evaluate the extent of the damage.
This was contained in a press statement signed by Hon. Ethan Uzamere, Honorable Commissioner, Ministry of Roads and Bridges on Thursday.
Hon. Uzamere stated that as part of the commitment to ensuring the safety of residents and travelers, the Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has implemented some measures to prevent a recurrence of such tragedies.
According to Uzamere, some of the measures implemented by Governor Obaseki include the immediate deployment of Levant Construction Limited to commence palliative works to rectify the problematic section of the bridge, reducing the risk of future accidents; defraying hospital bills of survivors from the crash to alleviate the financial burden on the affected individuals and ensure their full recovery.
Other measures put in place by the governor are the installation of caution signs and barricades in strategic locations around the Ovia River Bridge to alert motorists and reduce the likelihood of accidents and establishment of detour/diversion route at kilometer 19 along the Benin—Ore road to ensure the safety of motorists and maintain a smooth flow of traffic during the repair works on the Ovia River Bridge.
The Commissioner further stated that the Edo State government will continue the search and rescue efforts to recover the bodies of those lost in the accident as well as the recovery and evacuation of vehicles submerged in the river.
Hon Uzamere emphasises that the Edo State Ministry of Roads and Bridges, in collaboration with Levant Construction Limited, will ensure that the Ovia River Bridge is restored to optimal condition, guaranteeing a safer travel experience for all road users.
He appeals to the Federal Government to prioritize the neglected road and collaborate with the Edo State Government, utilizing the Federal Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA) and other relevant agencies, to undertake the reconstruction of the affected area.
While advising the public to strongly adhere to the warning signs and follow the designated detour route, the Commissioner said regular inspections of the repair works will be conducted, and further updates on the progress will be provided to keep the public informed.
