Member representing Isuikwuato/Umunneochi Federal Constituency at the Federal House of Representatives, Hon. Amobi Ogah has assured the people of Umuobasi Autonomous Community of Isuochi in the Umunneochi Local Government Area of Abia State that the issue of Mmam Bridge will soon become a thing of the past as he had already pushed for its reconstruction on the floor of the Green Chambers.
Hon. Ogah gave the assurance when he played host to a delegation of Umuobasi Town Development Union (UTDU), Abuja branch, which paid him a visit in his office at the National Assembly Complex, Abuja, FCT on Wednesday.
Leader of the UTDU delegation, Engr. Onyedikachi Spear Ekeh had earlier during his remarks, congratulated the lawmaker on his election, on behalf of the Umuobasi Community and used the occasion to console him on the death of his mother who recently passed on.
The delegation while thanking Hon. Amobi Ogah for considering two of their sons- Engr. Emeka Elem and Smart Duke Madu in key appointments, reminded the Honourable Member to ensure the actualization of the reconstruction of Mmam Bridge while still in office.
The UTDU delegation includes Mr. Onyedikachi Spear Ekeh, Ogbuehi Chigozie Odoemela, Dr. Uchenna Madu, Mr. Aham Onwu, and Engr. Chukwuemeka Elem.
Recall that Hon. Ogah had in February this year, 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 Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) to reconstruct the Bridge.
He had said during plenary that 13 years after the construction of the Bridge, located in Mbala Isuochi, in Abia State, it was destroyed by the National troops on September 15th, 1968, during the Nigerian/Biafran civil war to aid their advance towards Okigwe.
According to him, “The destruction of this bridge for the past 55 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 Isuochi and Oji River people in addition to the remaining parts of the country which was existing before the destruction of the bridge.
“The Mmam Bridge served as a gateway for motorists and commuters traveling to Enugu, Onitsha, and the northern parts of Nigeria, facilitating free trade between many communities along the path, with a smooth flourishing of economic and social activities.
“The people of 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 residing in 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 10×50 meters. Unfortunately, its abandoned state serves as a constant reminder of the negative impacts of the civil war, 55 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 neighbouring states and access to agricultural land. This has led to a lack of economic activity in Mbala town and thus, the negative impact is 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 tonnes 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 55 years now. I am highly disturbed by this neglect and the failure of the past governments to reconstruct this Mmam Bridge despite its national economic and social importance.
“The lack of this reconstruction, unfortunately, serves as a bad reminder of the unfortunate negative impact of the civil war on the elderly and even on the youths of that Community. Its reconstruction can boost inter-community trade, farming, and other social activities in the entire region.”
The House in its resolution then, urged the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) to reconstruct Bridge and also mandated the House Committee on Legislative Compliance to follow up the resolution with the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) to ensure Compliance.
