From Aniekan Aniekan, Calabar
For the people Ukpagada community in Nkum clan of Ogoja Local Government Area, Cross River State, their joy now knows no bounds. This follows the ongoing reconstruction of its bridge, which had been abandoned for over five decades.
The bridge, which is scheduled to be inaugurated and put to use next month, is a major link between the people and the outside world.
About 51 years ago, the bridge was destroyed by federal troops during the Nigeria-Biafra war and has not only been a source of agony for the community but also a major impediment to social communication and economic activities.
Following its destruction, the bridge remained abandoned and this sad scenario cut off seven autonomous communities with over 900,000 inhabitants, comprising mainly farmers, bearing the brunt of the destruction.
The sad tale is about to change as an ultra modern bridge, which is 120 metres long, cutting across the Mmol River, is due for completion in April this year.
Speaking on the importance of the bridge, the traditional ruler of Ukpagada, Ntol Mobre, said the project is a big relieve as about onr million people were cut off from the rest of the world.
He lamented the privation faced by the people, saying farm produce rot away due to lack of accessible link to convey such produce to urban markets, stressing: “For over 55 years, since the civil war ended, my people have suffered untold hardship.
“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 also the adjourning villages of Nkum, Bansara in Ekajuk Ogoja, urban and neighbouring Ebonyi State.”
On his part, the village head of the area, Chief Gabriel Akpakoro, commended the senator for attracting the project from the federal government.
He noted that the bridge has an everlasting economic impression on the beneficiaries.
Engr. Ogbe Harry Audu, the site engineer, assured that the project is due for completion by the first quarter of this year.
He lauded 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.
He assured the community that the bridge is a modern bridge that meets international standard.