From Femi Mustapha, in Kaduna
Residents of Mando, Afaka, National Eye Centre, and Mahuta Areas in Igabi LGA have expressed excitement over the construction of a bridge along the stream at Bappa Ali Road, Afaka, Mando.
This sentiment was shared during a site visit by the Managing Director of the Kaduna State Road Agency (KADRA), Dr. Abdullahi Baba Ahmed today, Thursday.
The residents, in an interview with journalists, stated that the completed bridge would connect all the communities to modern conveniences and improve their economic prospects.
Hassan Isah, a resident of Bappa Ali Road, noted, “We are all happy with this development. For the past seven years, we have struggled to obtain this bridge, but it was only during the Uba Sani Administration that we saw action.”
He emphasized the bridge’s importance, mentioning that the community experienced the tragic loss of about seven children due to the hazardous conditions.
According to Isah, the bridge will connect several communities, including Rugar Bello, Rugar Jawo, Malkali, and the National Eye Center.
He remarked, “We consider this bridge more important than many other roads in this area. However, we still appeal to the government to provide additional roads, as we are lacking in that regard.
If we can receive that support, then Uba Sani won’t need to campaign here for a second term.”
Isah highlighted that Governor Uba Sani’s efforts have allowed residents to connect with relatives in neighboring communities, a feat that was previously hampered by the river.
Hajiya Hauwa Salawudeen, another resident, recalled the dangers posed by the old crossing, especially during the rainy season.
“This road was indeed in bad shape. Whenever it rained, commuters had to wait for about two hours for the water to drain before passing.
*Now, however, we are happy. Governor Uba Sani came to our aid, and seeing the workers commence construction of this bridge brought happiness and relief to us.”
Salawudeen noted that the bridge has transformed the lives of local people and changed their perception of indigenous firms’ abilities to handle large projects despite challenges.
In his remarks, Dr. Abdullahi Baba Ahmed described the bridge as one of the most important projects the Uba Sani administration is undertaking.
He explained that heavy rains previously made it difficult for children to attend school, as they had to take lon ger routes, resulting in late arrivals or missed classes altogether.
“This is unacceptable, as it goes against Senator Uba Sani’s vision of making education accessible for all. That’s why he instructed the agency to proceed with the bridge’s construction.”
Dr. Ahmed added, “Everyone here is happy. The workers sometimes receive meals from neighboring houses as a gesture of gratitude, given that they have been waiting for this for almost two decades.
The Mando area has not witnessed significant development in a long time. According to the community, the last major road construction was during the Makarfi administration. Governor Sani has approved this project along with several others for Mando.”
At the Aliyu Makama Link Road, Dr. Ahmed noted that the Uba Sani administration inherited a project from the previous administration that was only 35 percent complete.
He explained that while a 900m corridor, including a dual carriage span bridge, was finished, work continues on an additional 2km corridor that includes another 180m span bridge.
“We have unsuitable soil in this area, which requires us to excavate to a depth of about 9m for stabilization, a process that involves significant time and expense. We have two options: either stabilize to that depth or construct an alternate road carriage bridge, which I believe is the better choice.”
Dr. Ahmed clarified that the contractors are actively working, and the dual carriage bridge will improve water flow, reducing flood risks.
“The contractors are here, working day and night, to ensure the timely completion of this project. The nearly 3km road, which includes two bridges—one constructed by the previous administration—is crucial for reducing road traffic, especially around Ahmadu Bello Stadium. This will enhance the movement of goods and people across the state.” he said.
