Use NDDC To Reconstruct The Abandoned Mmam Bridge In Abia - Hon. Amobi Ogah Urges FG

The member representing Umunneochi/Isuikwuato federal constituency, Hon. Amobi Ogah has said that the abandoned Mmam bridge serves as a constant reminder of the negative impacts of the civil war and urged the federal government through NDDC to reconstruct the bridge.

He raised this concern during the plenary as he explained that thirteen years after the construction of the Mmam bridge, during the Nigeria Civil war, the Bridge in Abia State was destroyed by the National troops on September 15th, 1968 to aid their advance towards Okigwe.

He said 'The destruction of this bridge for the past Fifty-one (51) years without being reconstructed which the people waited with the hope that the government would one day rebuild cut-off smooth inter-community trading between the Isuochi and Oji River people in addition to the remaining parts of the country which was existing before the destruction of the bridge.

'The man Bridge served as a gate way for motorists and commuters travelling to Enugu, Onitsha and Northern Parts of Nigeria facilitating free market trading between large communities with smooth flourishing of Economic and social activities.

'The people from Isuochi who live in cities such as Enugu, Onitsha,Lagos, Kano, Kaduna, Jos, Zaria and other parts of Western and Northern Nigeria typically pass through the Achi-Awlaw-Mmam Bridge route.

'Similarly, Achi, Inyi and Awlaw people from Imo and Abia States, as well as South South States might use the same route to visit their ancestral homes.

'The abandoned Mmam Bridge is just about 10x50 meters. Unfortunately its abandoned state serves as a constant reminder of the negative impacts of the civil war, 51 years after. This negative scenario and thought need to be completely erased from the minds of the people by now.

'Also, Mbala people have been cut-off from neighboring states and access to agricultural land. This has led to a lack of economic activity in Mbala town and thus, the negative impact is apparently evident.

'With the established Mbala Cashew plantation that contributes significantly to the economy of the region where Abia State produces an estimated cashew production figure of 45,000 metric tones per year. It is beyond doubt that a plantation of this magnitude in Mbala can improve the economy of the state in particular and that of the Nation in general more especially in terms of job creation opportunities which is very critical more especially at this trial moment of youth unemployment.

' However, the Bridge leading to this vital agricultural "cash cow" has been neglected for too long-over 51 years now.

'I am highly disturbed by this neglect on the failure of the past governments to reconstruct this Mmam Bridge upon its
National economic and social importance. Lack of this reconstruction unfortunately serves as a bad reminder of the unfortunate negative impacts of the civil war to the elderly and even to the youths of that Community. Its reconstruction can boost inter-community trade, farming and other social activities in the entire region' he said.

As a resolution, the House urged the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) to reconstruct the Mman Bridge in Umunneochi Local Government Area of Abia State.

The house also mandated the House Committee on Legislative Compliance to follow-up the resolution with the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) to ensure Compliance.