What could be better described as danger is currently looming in Akwaihedi community in Nnewi South Local Government Area of Anambra State, as school children in the community risk their lives crossing a deep river to attend schools.
This is coming as Ugwa—Uhualauzi River Bridge got covered up by the river, leaving only the bridge rails in the surface.
Announcing this in a video currently trending on the social media, the President-General of the community, Chief Barr. Oliver Mba, said the bridge was a self-help project constructed over forty years ago by the community members.
The PG, in the video, said as at this dry season, the river flows over the bridge, adding that the situation gets worse during rainy season.
The video also shows small school children crossing the deep river through the rail of the bridge, while the one who could not climb the rail trekked through the river flowing over the covered bridge. It further shows a motorcycle trapped by the river at the top of the bridge, as the owner tries to push it out.
Chief Mba appealed for the urgent intervention of the Governor Chukwuma Soludo-led Government of Anambra State to address the situation, to avoid any casualty resulting from it, as the school children and other residents risk their lives crossing the bridge. He also revealed that the bridge is the only pathway to and fro the parts of the community divided by the river.
Reacting to the development, the Deputy Transition Committee Chairman for Nnewi South Local Government Area, Hon. Emecheta, commended the President General for bringing the situation to the attention of the government, adding that the complain has been communicating to the appropriate authority.
“This remains the situation of Ugwa-Uhualauzi River Bridge in Akwaihedi community, which we have been bringing to notice of Anambra State government
“I would like to Commend the PG of Akwaihedi, Chief Barr. Oliver Mba on this Video. This is commendable and this is what the Soludo Administration has always stated that when you SEE SOMETHING, SAY SOMETHING.
“However, that is why we keep asking people to say something. This has been forwarded to the appropriate quarters and I believe something will be done,” he said.
