The Ukawu community in Onicha Local Government Area of Ebonyi State is facing a dire situation as the collapse of the crucial Ebonyi Unity Bridge has left residents in despair. The bridge, a key link for the community, collapsed earlier this year, causing significant disruption to daily life and exacerbating the hardships faced by the people.
Constructed in 2011 during the tenure of former Governor Chief Martin Nwancho Elechi, the bridge had long been a lifeline for the people of Ukawu. Its sudden collapse has made travel between villages and beyond nearly impossible, bringing untold suffering to the community. The once-bustling area now struggles with isolation, as the collapsed bridge cuts off vital access to neighboring regions.
During a recent project inspection tour, Hon. Nkemkanma Kama, the Member representing Ohaozara/Onicha/Ivo Federal Constituency, appealed passionately to the state government for immediate intervention. “The collapse of this bridge has brought untold hardship to our people,” Kama said. “We urgently need the state government to step in and fix this bridge to restore normalcy to the lives of our people.”
Beyond the bridge crisis, Hon. Kama also turned his attention to the state of primary health care facilities in his constituency. Shocked by the poor condition of the healthcare center in Ukawu, Kama pledged to collaborate with both state and federal authorities to revitalize these essential services. “It is mind-boggling that a community as large as Ukawu lacks a functional healthcare center. We are commencing work next week to address this,” he promised.
Kama’s commitment to his constituency is evident, as he unveiled plans to reconstruct five primary healthcare centers in selected communities. “It’s not about quantity but quality,” Kama emphasized. “Delivering adequate healthcare to our people is our primary objective, and we’re collaborating with the National Primary Health Care Development Agency to make this happen.”
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In addition to healthcare, Kama highlighted other key projects aimed at improving the quality of life in his constituency. He announced the construction of 13 solar-powered motorized boreholes across 10 communities and the installation of 50 solar street lights in each of the 34 wards. “We are committed to completing these projects by December 22 this year,” Kama assured, noting that all contracts have been awarded and work is progressing.
The lawmaker also visited a makeshift bamboo bridge in Ameke-Ishiagu, Ivo Local Government Area, where residents have been cut off from their farmlands due to the lack of proper infrastructure. This situation has led to encroachment by neighboring communities from Enugu State, adding to the woes of the local people. “The governor is a reputed builder who has transformed this state, and I trust he will respond to our call for help,” Kama stated.
As part of his efforts to support education, Hon. Kama has also sponsored holiday lessons for children across his constituency, aiming to keep them engaged and away from the dangers of street life during the school break. “We want to harness the intellect of our children and keep them focused on their studies, especially during this challenging time,” he said, noting that the lessons are being held in 12 centers across the constituency.
In a bid to boost agriculture, the lawmaker has secured 1,800 bags of fertilizer for distribution to farmers, ensuring that the right beneficiaries receive the support they need. “We will work closely with stakeholders to distribute these fertilizers fairly, so that real farmers benefit,” Kama concluded.
The collapse of the Ebonyi Unity Bridge and the subsequent challenges have thrown Ukawu into a crisis, and the community is now looking to the state government for urgent assistance
