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

The bridge connecting Abia and Imo States via the Ubaha Oriendu-Ihite Uboma axis faces imminent collapse, according to traditional ruler Eze Phillip Ajomiwe of Ubaha Oriendu Ancient Kingdom. Ajomiwe expressed alarm at the bridge's deteriorating condition during an inspection, lamenting that the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has failed to address concerns he raised about the facility.

He warned that September's incessant rainfall further damaged a section of the bridge, raising fears of a total collapse if no immediate engineering intervention is undertaken.

Ajomiwe emphasized the bridge's significant economic and social importance, serving as a vital link for agrarian communities, farmers, and fishermen commuting between the two states. He stressed that its collapse would impose severe hardship on residents, disrupting their livelihoods and undermining the purpose of the infrastructure development.

The monarch publicly criticized the NDDC for not fulfilling the rehabilitation request he submitted years ago, despite being assured it would be included in the commission's budget. He appealed to the NDDC to honor its commitments, stressing that the current state of the bridge necessitates urgent action to prevent irreversible damage. Ajomiwe stated, "If nothing is done, the bridge may totally collapse and our people living on the other side of the river will be cut off."

In a related incident, the Ngada Bridge connecting Ngada Isuochi community in Umunneochi with neighboring communities has collapsed, disrupting human and vehicular movement. The Abia State House of Assembly member representing Umunneochi Constituency, Umeh Mathias, confirmed the collapse and promised to address the matter.