Anambra: Obibia Bridge is collapsing, shame on ministry of works

Obibia Bridge is weak and may collapse anytime soon if nothing is done urgently.

Thousands of residents of some communities in Awka Capital Territory including Isu-Aniocha, Mgbakwu, Urum and Amanuke have cried out over the imminent collapse of Obibia Bridge.

They said by Monday if nothing is done the commuters would work on the road to the shame of Government particularly ministry of works led by Engr Marcel Ifejiofor.

Okanumee Mgbakwu said to be elder brother to Dot 4 is leading the residents to work on the road this time.
President General of Isu-Aniocha community, Frank Mkpume mobilized to work on the road last year. It’s bad again and government looking the other way.

The Bridge links Isu-Aniocha and other communities in Awka North with Okpuno community and others in Awka South Local Government Areas of Anambra State.

Three sections of the bridge are caving in gradually, while the rods on the Okpuno side of the bridge have all been exposed.

That was wrong and unhealthy for a Bridge with such traffic daily for it’s base to be exposed with large potholes.

Former Chairman of Awka North LGA, Chief Shedrack Anakwue has said that if the road/bridge were not repaired as soon as possible, the road might cave in and that might lead to the eventual collapse of the bridge itself.

Oro n’ ukwu as he is fondly called said: “If that bridge collapses, the residents of all the communities in Awka North and South LGAs that make use of the bridge on daily basis are going to find it very difficult to cross over.

“One of the closest alternative roads, Isuaniocha – Enugwu-Agidi Road, is dilapidated. You cannot pass through it. Most civil servants are living in Isu-Aniocha, Mgbakwu and are advancing to Urum from where they go to work every day”, he lamented.

He called for quick intervention of the state government to save the bridge from collapsing.

“If not the President-General of Isu-Aniocha community who carried out some repair on the Okpuno side of the road that terminated on the bridge, that Okpuno side of the bridge would have caved in. And if it had happened, the bridge itself would have probably collapsed.

“So, we are calling on the Anambra State government to come quickly and repair that important bridge before it collapses.

“We are also calling on government to construct the road leading to Amanuke community from Isu-Aniocha which also passed through Urum community. It is also very important that the road leading to Ugbene community from Amanuke be constructed too. These are very important roads”, he appealed.