By Abasi Ita, Calabar
Excitement has engulfed the Ukpagada community in the Nkum clan of the Ogoja local government area in the Cross River North senatorial district, as over 50-year-old abandoned bridge reconstructed by Senator Jarigbe Agom Jario is due for official commissioning in April 2024.
Summit Post learned that the bridge was blown off in 1967 at the onset of the Nigerian civil war by advancing federal troops and had since become a dead–trap for motorists, thereby impeding economic activities and integration after cutting off seven neighboring villages
The new ultra-modern bridge, measuring 125 meters long and spanning across the Mmol River, is due for completion by April this year.
Reacting to the development, the traditional ruler of Ukpagada, Ntol Mobre, described the project as a big relief in terms of uniting the people and accelerating socio-economic activities
The royal father disclosed that farmers in the area have suffered huge economic losses arising from their farm produce which always rots away due to the hitherto collapsed bridge which frustrated efforts to convey such produce to urban markets for over 55 years.
According to him; “I am happy that my community will once again be accessible through that bridge project. I commend Senator Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe for facilitating such a gigantic project for his people and beyond.
“I assure him of continuous support and prayers as the project will not serve my people alone, but adjourning villages of Nkum, Bansara in Ekajuk Ogoja, urban and neighboring Ebonyi state.”
On his rapport with the contractor handling the project, the Royal father disclosed that every available local raw material for the project is provided free, while food items and accommodation are supplied to the workers as a mark of hospitality.
On his part, the site manager, Engr Ogbe Audu, disclosed that ” going by the level of work done so far, the project would be ready by the onset of the second quarter of this year which is next month”
Audu who represents the local construction firm handling the bridge, Adoki Engineering Nigeria, said the materials used for the project are durable.
He expressed appreciation to the community for their hospitality, adding that the project, which was facilitated by Senator Jarigbe Agom, is funded by the federal government and supervised by the Federal Ministry of Works.
“It is clear that it is the most modern bridge that meets global standards.