By: Felix Ikpotor
The bad state of the Aleto bridge along the Ogoni axis of the East West Road is still a source of worry to many agencies and individuals.
This is as the Unit Commander, Federal Road Safety Corps, FRSC Eleme Unit Command, Mr. Igwe Arinze, has raised an alarm over the possible collapse of the bridge.
Arinze cautioned that if urgent measures are not taken by the appropriate authorities to save the bridge, it would cave in sooner than expected.
The condition of the bridge had remained a source of concern among residents of Rivers State, especially Eleme and Ogoni indigenes, Andoni, Opobo/Nkoro and Akwa Ibom who rely on that route to reach their homes.
PHSpectator recalls that in September, federal lawmakers from Rivers State led by the Senator representing Rivers South-East Senatorial District, Dr Barry Mpigi, in a protest, called federal government’s attention to the bridge, saying that if the bridge collapses, it would cut off the industrial hub of the region.
The unit commander who was on an inspection visit to the bridge on said he observed that the beams holding the bridge looked so distressed and may give way if high tide increases the water current.
He also pointed out that lots of cracks on the substructural and superstructural elements of the bridge have become so visible to even non professionals.
Arinze however, called on government and other relevant authorities to take urgent measures to save the bridge and prevent accidents that might occur in the event of a collapse.
