Umuahia — The bridge linking Abia and Imo States along the Ubaha Oriendo-Isihe Uboma axis has suffered severe damage following heavy flooding caused by persistent September rains, with a traditional ruler warning that the structure risks total collapse.
The traditional ruler of Oriendo Ancient Kingdom, Eze Philip Ajomiwe, expressed deep frustration with the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) while inspecting the damaged bridge, accusing the agency of abandoning its promises to repair it. He revealed that he had written to the NDDC several times over the years to report the bridge's deteriorating condition, and the commission had assured him that the repair request would be included in its budget — but nothing has been done to date.
Ajomiwe noted that the bridge serves as a vital economic and social link connecting agricultural communities, farmers, and fishermen across the two states, providing residents with a convenient route between the two areas. He warned that if the bridge collapses, residents on the opposite side of the river will be completely cut off, leaving farmers and traders who depend on the route in serious hardship.
"I appeal to the NDDC to fulfill its promises, because what we are seeing is heartbreaking. If nothing is done, the bridge may collapse completely, and people living across the river will be cut off," Ajomiwe said.
He urged the NDDC to take immediate interim measures to prevent erosion from causing irreversible damage. He also called on the Abia State Government, the Federal Government, senators, members of the House of Representatives, and the chairman of Umuahia North Local Government Area to intervene urgently.
In a related development, the Ngada Bridge, which connects Ngada Isuochi community in Umunneochi LGA to neighboring communities, has already collapsed, cutting off both pedestrian and vehicular movement. The member representing Umunneochi State Constituency in the Abia State House of Assembly, Ume Mathias, confirmed the collapse and pledged to take action.
Tags:
News