By Chidinma Omar 


The Transition Committee Chairman of Ikwuano LGA, Comrade Osinachi Nwaka on Thursday flagged off the reconstruction of the Elemaga-Itunta bridge whose  state of disrepair has been a nightmare to road users for years


The Engineer in charge of the project explains to Mayor Nwaka and Hon Isienyi 

"Today, as we flagging off the reconstruction of the Elemaga-Itunta bridge, we have a lot to appreciate our governor, Dr Alex Otti for extending the dividends of democracy to Ikwuano.


"Personally,  the dilapidated condition of this bridge and the danger it poses to our people had been on my mind since our swearing in on November 30, 2023 when we were sworn in, today it is with great joy that I am flagging off its reconstruction.


Flagging off the project 

"The bridge will be reconstructed within 21 to 30 days and it will be of the highest quality materials. As a matter of fact the engineer in charge has reassured me that after reconstruction, the state of the bridge will last 100 years. The bridge would be widened as a standard dual carriageway and solar lights would be installed for the safety of our people



"I wish to use this opportunity to reassure all our people that all bridges and roads within Ikwuano LG would equally be reconstructed in due time" the Ikwuano Mayor affirmed.


Also speaking during the event, the lawmaker representing Ikwuano State Constituency in the Abia State House of Assembly, Hon Boniface Isienyi said he will personally monitor the progress of work on the bridge. He further averred that Gov Alex Otti is laying a formidable foundation to deliver democracy dividends to all Abians. Rest assured that the dividends of democracy will go round all Abia, he affirmed.



Hon Isienyi further added that before the end of the year the Oloko-Azuiyi road will be commissioned, while another major reconstruction project would be flagged off.


The engineer in charge of the project, Mr Paulinus Chukwu explained that the project would be executed as a concrete box culvert and affirmed that it's lifespan would be 100 years. He added that the strength of the bridge would be such that it can carry two heavy trucks simultaneously. He also confirmed that the bridge would be ready in 30 days.



Present condition of the bridge 

Earlier in his remarks, the Head of Service in Ikwuano LGA declared that the reconstruction of the bridge is a welcome development as it had been a nightmare of road users.



The event attracted Ikwuano LG Labour Party chieftains including its chairman, Mr Bright Osinachi, Chief Ikechukwu Owebe and several others.