Anambra prepares new bridge for inauguration, allays residents’ fears

Ekwulobia Bridge in the Aguata Local Government Area of Anambra State

The Anambra State Government has allayed the fears of residents regarding the integrity and structural safety of the newly-constructed Ekwulobia Bridge in the Aguata Local Government Area of the state, assuring the public that the facility remains safe and in perfect condition.

This is just as it said that the government would soon inaugurate the bridge for public use,

There have been reports that the bridge has structural defects, and that such was the reason it has not been inaugurated several months after completion.

South-East PUNCH reports that the “legacy project” of the state government comprises a 300-metre-long flyover spanning from Nanka to Uga, a modern bus terminal, approximately four adjoining roads, and special lighting, a project the government says represents a transformative investment in the infrastructure needs of the people.

Further findings showed that the long-awaited Ekwulobia Flyover, when opened, will serve as a critical link connecting communities, dramatically reducing travel time, enhancing road safety, and spurring economic development across the region.

Addressing concerns over the structural integrity claims of the bridge in Awka, the state Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Okey Ezeobi, urged residents and members of the public to ignore the claims, describing them as “wicked.”

Ezeobi said the bridge is ready for inauguration as it had undergone quality assurance tests and structural integrity assessments by certified engineers and relevant regulatory authorities, all of which confirmed that the structure is safe and fit for public use.

He said, “The Ekwulobia Flyover Bridge, which is due to be officially inaugurated soon, is a world-class infrastructure project constructed to the highest international standards.

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“The bridge has undergone rigorous quality assurance tests and structural integrity assessments by certified engineers and relevant regulatory authorities, all of which confirm that the structure is safe, sound, and fit for public use.

“The bridge is in excellent condition. So hopefully, all things being equal, the governor may wish to open it for traffic this festive season.”

Ezeobi also attributed Federal Government’s huge investments in infrastructure in the state and across the South-East to the alliance between Soludo and President Bola Tinubu, citing the Ezunaka Bypass Bridge linking the Second Niger Bridge to the Enugu-Onitsha Expressway, estimated to cost about N180 billion.

“Anambra and the entire South-East have witnessed an unprecedented level of infrastructural investment from the Federal Government. All these things are because of the alliance between Governor Soludo and President Tinubu.

“Some people may not like the politics of Soludo, but I want to tell you that no one loves Anambra more than the governor and that is what the governor thinks about every day.

“Since the creation of Nigeria, we have never experienced this level of infrastructure and this is because of the synergy we have in the state now through Mr Governor and the Federal Government.

“Today you can drive on concrete road from 82 division in Enugu straight into Anambra. This is something that was not possible previously. That is the level of investment we have witnessed.