The long-awaited reconstruction of the historic Igwu River Bridge, popularly known as Omenuko Bridge, has officially commenced with the flag off by Governor Alex Otti.
The bridge, which has stood since colonial times, has been a death trap and source of hardship for residents due to its narrow and deteriorating condition.
Speaking at the Ceremony, held at Bridge site, Governor Otti who titled his speech; “The Omenuko Bridge, another jinx broken“, traced the significance of the bridge to the novel Omenuko, written by Peter Nwanne about 90 years ago.
The Governor emphasized that despite being a Federal Project, his administration decided to intervene after discovering that claims of its award were false.
He said; “The first thing that happened was that we missed out this bridge from the 2024 budget and the reason is simple. We thought that the bridge had actually been awarded as claimed by some of our brothers.
“But unfortunately, on further enquiry, we found that the information was not correct so we now started struggling with the adjustment of the budget and viament and we have just been successful with it.
“As soon as we were successful and we had all the money available, we mobilized the contractors and they went to work”.
The Governor disclosed that the project would be completed in Nine Months, and assured the people that every project embarked upon by his administration is adequately funded before commencement.
“One thing that is clear is that before we start any project, we already have plans to fund that project.
“I am glad to report to you today that all the money that is required to complete this road project is sitting somewhere waiting”, Governor Otti stated.
Governor Otti used the occasion to highlight his administration’s infrastructural agenda, affirmed his commitment to Community development.
Governor Otti who affirmed his commitment to development ,emphasized that his Government prioritizes the welfare of its people irrespective of the status or bureaucratic bottlenecks before taking action.
“Yes, this is a Federal road but again, Federal roads are used by our brothers and sisters so anywhere we have a job to do, we go and do it irrespective of whether it is Federal, State or Local Government”, Gov Otti said.
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He commended the Commissioner for Works for overseeing over fifty construction projects across the state, in addition to others handled through direct labour.
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Responding to the two major requests made by the President-General of Abam Town Union, Governor Otti directed the Commissioner for Health to make immediate arrangements to establish a Healthcare Center in the community.
He equally instructed the Commissioner for Works to procure and award the 23 Kilometer Abam Ring Road project to two Contractors and assured that “in the next few weeks, you will see work start on the Abam ring road from two ends”.
The Commissioner for Works, Mr Otumchere Oti while noting that the bridge has for many years remained campaign tool for political fraudsters, said that the single lane Omenuko bridge functions as a major link for Abia Central and Abia North Senatorial zones.
He commended Governor Alex Otti for taking up the project despite being a Federal road, adding that the project will increase traffic flow,promote economic activities and Social connectivity.
In their goodwill messages, the Member representing Arochukwu/ Ohafia federal Constituency Chief Ibe Okara Osonwa, the Secretary to the state government Professor Kenneth Kalu and the Pro- Chancellor and Chairman Governing Council, Abia State University, Chief Agwu . U Agwu noted that Governor Alex Otti has through the project and others given their people a sense of belonging.
In his address on behalf of the Abam Onyerubi Improvement Union , the President General Captain Chibuike Usim while noting that the single lane Omenuko bridge has lasted for over 70-years serving as a lifeline, said Governor Otti has through the project and many others proven to be on a mission to change the States narrative.
He used the forum to call the attention of the Governor to the absence of a General Hospital in Abam Community among other needs.
