Abia, Imo link bridge suffers major damage as monarch laments NDDC’s failed promises

Eze Expresses Concerns Over Deteriorating Bridge in Abia State

Eze Phillip Ajomiwe, the traditional ruler of Ubaha Oriendu Ancient Kingdom in Umuahia North Local Government Area of Abia State, has raised alarms about the structural integrity of a bridge connecting Abia State to Imo State via the Ubaha Oriendu-Ihite Uboma route. During a recent inspection of the bridge, Eze Ajomiwe noted significant damage caused by flooding, particularly during the heavy rains of September.

The monarch lamented that the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has not acted on his previous warnings regarding the bridge’s condition. He stated that if immediate engineering solutions are not implemented, the bridge risks imminent collapse.

Eze Ajomiwe called for urgent intervention from the NDDC, the Abia State Government, and other pertinent federal agencies to prevent further deterioration. He emphasized the bridge’s importance as a vital economic and social link for local agrarian communities, farmers, and fishermen, who rely on it for easier access between the two states.

“The collapse of this bridge would cause significant hardship for residents and negate the intentions behind its construction,” Eze Ajomiwe said.

He also revealed that he has communicated with the NDDC in previous years, asserting that his requests for rehabilitation were promised inclusion in the agency’s budget, but no action has been taken to date.

“My appeal to the NDDC is urgent. The current state of the bridge requires immediate palliative measures to avert irreversible damage,” he added. “If matters are not addressed, the bridge may completely collapse, isolating our community on the other side of the river.”

In a related incident, the Ngada Bridge, which connects the Ngada Isuochi community in Umunneochi to surrounding areas, has also collapsed, disrupting both pedestrian and vehicular movement.

Umeh Mathias, the representative for Umunneochi Constituency in the Abia State House of Assembly, confirmed this development and pledged to take action regarding the situation.

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