From Femi Oyelola in Kaduna
Residents of Mando, Afaka, the National Eye Centre, and Mahuta areas in Igabi LGA have expressed their excitement about constructing a bridge along the stream at Bappa Ali Road, Afaka, Mando area of Kaduna.
This sentiment was shared during a site visit today by the Managing Director of the Kaduna State Road Agency (KADRA), Dr. Abdullahi Baba Ahmed.
In interviews with journalists, residents stated that the completed bridge would connect their communities to modern conveniences and enhance their economic prospects.
Hassan Isah, a resident of Bappa Ali Road, said: “We are all happy with this development. For the past seven years, we struggled to get this bridge, but it was only during the Uba Sani Administration that we saw action.”
He emphasized the bridge’s significance, noting the tragic loss of about seven children due to hazardous conditions. According to Isah, the bridge will connect several communities, including Rugar Bello, Rugar Jawo, Malkali, and the National Eye Centre.
“We consider this bridge more important than many other roads in this area.
However, we still appeal to the government for additional roads, as we are lacking in that regard. If we receive that support, Uba Sani won’t need to campaign here for a second term”, he stated.
Isah highlighted that Governor Uba Sani’s efforts have allowed residents to connect with relatives in neighboring communities, a connection that was previously obstructed by the river.
Another resident, Hajiya Hauwa Salawudeen, recalled the dangers posed by the old crossing, especially during the rainy season.
She said: “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 ha
“Governor Uba Sani came to our aid, and seeing the workers commence construction of this bridge has brought us happiness and relief.”
Salawudeen also noted that the bridge has transformed the lives of local people and changed their perception of local firms’ capabilities to manage large projects despite challenges
In his remarks, Dr. Abdullahi Baba Ahmed described the bridge as one of the most important projects under the Uba Sani administration. He explained that heavy rains previously made it difficult for children to attend school, often causing them to take longer routes, resulting in tardiness or missed classes.
“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.
“Everyone here is happy. The workers sometimes receive meals from neighboring houses as a gesture of gratitude, knowing that the community has waited for this project 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 occurred during the Makarfi administration. Governor Sani has approved this project along with several others for Mando”, he said.
Regarding 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 concluded.
