Gov. Soludo records another milestone achievement in Nnewi

Ukwaka bridge reconstruction completed

The administration of Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo in Anambra State has achieved another major milestone with the successful completion of the Ukwaka Bridge in Umuezena, Umudim Nnewi.

This completion was made public by close sources to Mr. Governor, Professor Chukwuma Soludo on Tuesday, May 27, 2025.

This accomplishment marks a significant improvement in the infrastructure of the area, which had long been plagued by erosion and road degradation.

The bridge, which was originally constructed during the tenure of former Governor Peter Obi, had become a hazardous spot, earning a reputation as a death trap over the years due to severe erosion and neglect.

Recently, the Commissioner for Industry, Dr. Christian Udechukwu, and the Mayor of Nnewi North, Honorable Echezona Anazodo, visited the site for inspection.

Both officials expressed visible satisfaction with the quality and scope of the work done.

Their reaction indicated that the reconstruction has been both thorough and impactful.

The Ukwaka Bridge was once in a deplorable state, a fact that gained widespread attention in 2017 when Sahara Reporters shared its condition on Facebook.

Years of erosion had left the bridge structurally compromised, resulting in several accidents, especially during the rainy season and at night.

Even motorcyclists found it dangerous, often having to slow down drastically when crossing.

Dr. Christian Udechukwu and Honorable Echezona Anazodo on site inspection of the reconstructed Ukwaka bridge

Over time, the eroded parts of the bridge became a dumping site for refuse, further worsening its condition.

In 2020, Governor Soludo responded by issuing strict warnings against dumping refuse in the eroded areas.

Despite these warnings, the situation continued to deteriorate.

By June 2023, residents and indigenes of Umudim Nnewi in Nnewi North Local Government Area began making urgent appeals to the governor.

They sought intervention as the erosion threatened a major access road in the area.

The road, located in Umuezena, was once one of the busiest in Nnewi but had become nearly impassable.

It forced motorists to seek alternative routes that were longer but safer.

Investigative journalist Izunna Okafor in 2023, reported that the road, which passes over the Ukwaka Bridge, had been so heavily eroded that motorists rarely used it.

A video that circulated on social media at the time, further illustrated the severity of the situation.

It showed sections of the bridge and the road underneath washed away by floodwater.

In the video, a concerned resident of the community, who chose to remain anonymous, highlighted the dangers posed by the bridge.

The person particularly noted that while the surface still appeared intact, the foundational support underneath had eroded significantly.

This individual warned that another episode of heavy rainfall could lead to the complete collapse of the bridge, effectively severing the road in two.

He called upon Governor Soludo and community stakeholders to act swiftly to prevent disaster, describing the bridge as an imminent death trap.

“All the underneath are open while the coal tar still covers the top.

“People riskily ply it, not knowing what lies beneath,” he stated, pleading for urgent intervention.

Responding to these concerns, the State Commissioner for Environment, Engr. Felix Odimegwu, assured the public at the time, of the government’s readiness to take immediate action.

He confirmed that a team from the Ministry of Environment would be dispatched to carry out an on-site assessment, with the intention of initiating repairs as quickly as possible.

Nnewi is recognized for having the highest concentration of Igbo billionaires in Nigeria.

It was no surprise then that many voices were lent to the deplorable state of the Ukwaka bridge.

Nnewi is a significant commercial and industrial hub, making the rehabilitation of such infrastructure crucial for economic and social stability.

The reconstruction of the Ukwaka Bridge began approximately twelve weeks ago, during which time access roads leading to the bridge were closed to allow for uninterrupted work.

Now completed, the bridge stands as a testament to the Soludo administration’s commitment to restoring and upgrading critical infrastructure in the state.

For residents of Umuezena Umudim, the new bridge is not just a structure.

It represents safety, connectivity, and the hope that their government listens and responds to their needs.

They may have waited nearly 8 years for its completion.

But their joy now, could be compared to that of a woman who passed through labour pains and put to bed a beautiful baby.

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