The Abandoned Urashi-Mgbee Collapsed
Bridge By Livy-Elcon Emereonye
It is no more news that the Urashi-Mgbee Bridge has collapsed with the road closed a long time ago. The news however is that the government – the Imo State government and the federal government of Nigeria – has continuously abandoned the bridge, pretending as if nothing happened or all is well. This is not only undemocratic but condemnable. It speaks volume about the government and the people.
Government, which is a continuum that exists in phases but timed, is an institution through which leaders exercise power to make and enforce laws for the good of the people. A government is a group of people with the authority to govern – and someone must take the lead and accept responsibility for the group’s actions. The basic functions of government include among others providing leadership, maintaining law and order, providing public services, providing security, providing enabling environment for economic activities and assistance.
A leader must inspire confidence in the people he leads, and such a leader must be just and accountable, carrying out his duties with dignity and integrity. A good leader must be creative and also encourage creativity for peaceful coexistence and wealth creation through efficient and effective problem-solving processes.
The most important function of government is the provision of security along with social amenities or basic infrastructures which roads rank high. Good governance is a serious business. A responsible government must show serious concerns and commitment in governance, putting into consideration the safety of the people at all times without shifting blame but this seems not to be the case here. The continuous abandonment of the Urashi-Mgbee Bridge negates the tenet of responsive and responsible governance which includes forming a more perfect union, to get the people to agree and work together, establish justice, insure domestic tranquility, provide for common defense, and promote general welfare.
Freedom of movement is a fundamental human right, bearing in mind that where one’s right ends, begins that of another. But there can be no free movement when the bridge collapses and the roads are closed. This is the fate of the people within this axis where the collapsed bridge has been abandoned.
The importance of a functional bridge cannot be overemphasized.
A bridge is a structure built to span a physical obstacle (such as a body of water, valley, road, or rail) without blocking the way underneath. It is constructed for the purpose of providing passage over the obstacle, which is usually something that is otherwise difficult or impossible to cross. There are many different designs of bridges, each serving a particular purpose and applicable to different situations. Designs of bridges vary depending on factors such as the function of the bridge, the nature of the terrain where the bridge is constructed and anchored, the material used to make it, and the funds available to build it. (Wikipedia)
The Urashi-Mgbee Bridge is a link on a busy road linking communities and states together. This bridge links Mgbee-Umuchima-Akokwa on one side and Mgbee-Orlu on the other side. It serves as the major route for Ideato Federal Constituency (Ideato South and Ideato North), Orlu Senatorial Zone, Imo State and Anambra State. Not only the aborigines but Nigerians and foreigners use this bridge!
One of the dangers of its continuous abandonment is that it makes movement within the area difficult and expensive, providing room for insecurity with resultant loss of life and property. And the people feel neglected by the government.
However one looks at it, the abandonment of this bridge in its present condition is purely a pronounced bad political statement that highlights politics of bitterness and vindictiveness. It leaves much to desire for a people or a nation to suffer the consequences of one man’s or even a group of person’s actions. This must stop for we cannot be going forward and looking backward.
In fact, there is no justification whatsoever why this bridge should be in its present state. The more the bridge stays abandoned, the worse things become with erosion destroying the remaining parts of the unused road, farmlands and homes. The cost and consequences of doing it will be more at the end but some of the destructions it caused cannot be remedied.
The alternative Umuezealla-Ogboko Bridge is still under construction apart from the fact that it is not meant for heavy trucks and busy usage. It has already started carving in and may collapse except something is done and urgently too.
Imagine a situation where this bridge collapses too? We should not wait for the worst to happen before embarking into a fire-brigade approach. A stitch in time saves nine but prevention is better than treatment and cure.
The way out is to fix the collapsed bridge and re-enforce the one that is carving in. The earlier this is done, the better.
There is no problem without a solution. In fact, every problem is an opportunity to right the wrong and set the record straight for posterity. This collapsed and abandoned bridge is a golden opportunity for the government to make a generational statement.
By whatever means, the Sen. Hope Uzodinma led Imo State government should start work on the bridge and road immediately. This will go a long way to save life and property, make living meaningful and life enjoyable for the people – and the ripple effects will be unimaginably unquantifiable.
Any action to address this problem should take into consideration the fact that the Urash-Mgbee bridge is a highway bridge and should be built as such by a competent and reputable company for assurance of quality and durability. This way the scarce resources of the state will be judiciously used and not wasted on frivolous poor projects that add no value to the people.
Our actions and inactions will always speak for or against us so for whatever reason, we must be very careful not to waste any opportunity that comes our way. We must be tolerant and responsible enough to do things that will stand the test of time. Do the best you can wherever you are even when no one is watching for you might end up being the beneficiary or recipient of the effects accruing from your secret work. Wasted opportunities rarely repeat themselves. A word is enough for the wise.
Government is a continuum and a responsible one should carter for the wellbeing of all irrespective of ideologies and political affiliations. Government should serve the interest of the people and not be used to settle scores. There would always be a demand for stewardship of service, and there should be life after office.
Governor Hope Uzodinma should rise to the challenge and do the needful. Should he do the bridge and now, he will not only score priceless political points but he will also write his name with gold on the annals of history. The ball is in his court.
