₦airaland Forum

The Governor Chukwuma Soludo-led Anambra State Government has assured the people and neighbours of Nnewi South Local Government Area of swift intervention on the collapsed Ulasi Bridge that connected and served as gateway to Imo State, Okija, Orsumoghu, and other many other Anambra South communities through Ukpor.

This reporter, Izunna Okafor, recalls that the bridge, which was constructed over 40 years ago, caved in in the early hours of Wednesday, March 5, 2025, when a fully loaded truck carrying gravel attempted to cross it.

In response to the disaster, the Anambra State Commissioner for Works, Engr. Ifeanyi Okoma, led a government delegation to the site on March 7, 2025, to assess the situation firsthand. He was received by key stakeholders from the area, including the Local Government Chairman of Nnewi South, Hon. Van George Ezeogodi (Ijele Utuh), and the Member representing Nnewi South II Constituency in the State House of Assembly, Hon. Johnbosco Akaegbobi, who jointly briefed him on the circumstances surrounding the project.

Speaking during the visit, the Local Government Chairman, Hon. Ezeogodi described the collapse of the bridge as a major setback for residents and businesses in the area, emphasizing the urgent need for government intervention.

He lamented that the situation had disrupted economic activities and caused untold hardship to commuters and traders who rely on the bridge for daily movement. He, however, reassured the Commissioner that security in the area has significantly improved under the administration of Governor Chukwuma Soludo, making it more conducive for infrastructural development.

“The insecurity that previously hindered projects in this area has been tackled effectively by the government. Today, Ukpor and its environs are safer than ever. In fact, if someone drops a pin today, they can return the next day and still find it,” he stated.

The duo of Hon. Ezeogodi and Hon. Akaegbobi provided further insight into the bridge and challenges that stalled the completion of the dual-carriage bridge being constructed in the area.

It was gathered that the original contractor handling the project during the previous administration was kidnapped during a period of heightened insecurity in the state and, unfortunately, passed away a few days after being released, leading to the abandonment of the project.

While emphasizing the strategic importance of the project to the people of Nnewi South and Ihiala Local Government Areas, they further reassured of return of peace, calmness and airtight security in the area.

Responding, Commissioner Okoma assured the community that the state government was aware of the urgency of the situation and would take immediate steps to address the problem.

He reaffirmed the Soludo-led administration’s commitment to infrastructure development and assured that the government would not allow the residents to suffer the consequences of the bridge collapse for long.

“The government understands how important this bridge is to the people of Nnewi South and beyond. We are committed to intervening and taking the necessary actions as quickly as possible to ensure seamless movement and economic activities,” he assured.

Other present during the visit included the President-General of Ukpor Improvement Union, Hon. Barr. Ikenna Mbazulike (represented by his executive members); the Councillor representing Ukpor Ward 1, Hon. George Okekwe; former President-General of Ukpor and current Special Adviser to the Local Government Chairman on Homeland and Community Affairs, Chief IG Nwawulu Ezeana; among others.

naturalman:
Den of unknown gunmen.....this place is their point one location.....very deadly place

Ttipsy:
how did you know??
Do you work with them ?

Melagros:
COMRADES, Soludo should as a matter of urgency fix the bridge. Meanwhile, it's shameful that Nigeria is still using this kind of pre independent bridge to the extent that it has to collapse before our leaders would start scratching their head in order to repair it

naturalman:
Den of unknown gunmen.....this place is their point one location.....very deadly place

Ttipsy:
how did you know??
Do you work with them ?

michlins:
he's right

Okoroawusa:
Wait. Which one is Ulasi bridge at Ukpor? The one I passed few years back from Imo to Ezinifite Nnewi South was new and it was also called Ulasi bridge. Una dey confuse me o!

killuminati:
Na Pitobi do this one during his tenure. Very rubbish work

Ringstonermasks:
that a project by The previous administration , stop being spiteful.