Succour For Ogoja Community As 50-Year Old Abandoned Bridge Set For Commissioning April Courtesy of Senator Jarigbe
From Atim MGBE (Ogoja)
Succour is underway for the people ofUkpagada community in Nkum clan of Ogoja local government area in Cross River North senatorial district, as over 50-year-old abandoned bridge is set for inauguration in April 2024.
The bridge, which was destroyed in 1967, during the Nigerian civil war, has remained a dead--trap for motorists thereby impeding social communication and economic activities.
Findings revealed that thehe bridge was destroyed by federal troops during the Nigerian civil war subsequently cutting off seven neighbouring autonomous communities of almost a million villagers mostly farmers.
The ultra modern bridge, which is one hundred and twenty metres long spanning across the Mmol River, is due for completion by April this year.
Speaking on the socio--economic importance of the bridge, the traditional ruler of Ukpagada, His Royal Highness, Ntol Mobre, said the project is a big relief in terms of uniting the people and accelerating socio economic activities.
Monte disclosed that famers have suffered several economic losses as their farm produce always rots away due to lack of accessible link to convey such produce to urban markets adding that "for over fifty-fve 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 adjourning villages of Nkum, Bansara in Ekajuk Ogoja, urban and neighbouring Ebonyi state."
On the relationship with the contractor handling the project, the Royal father disclosed that every raw material for the project is provided free, while food items and accommodation are supplied to the workers as a mark of hospitality to the workers.
Also speaking, the villageimpression on the beneficiaries, head of the community, Chief Gabriel Akpakoro, lauded the Senator for attracting the project from the federal government, noting that the bridge has an everlasting economic impression on the beneficiaries.
On his part, the site manager, Engr Ogbe Audu, told THE BEAGLE NEWS that the project would be ready by the first quarter of this year.
Audu who represents the local construction firm handling bridge, Adoki Engineering Nigeria, said 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 standard.
When THE BEAGLE NEWS visited the site, it was observed that over fifty locals were engaged to provide labour for a daily fees.
