UGBAWKA, Enugu State – The Chairman of Nkanu East Local Government Area, Hon. Sydney Okechukwu Edeh, has commended Governor Peter Mbah for his foresight and swift response following the recent collapse of the decades-old iron bridge in Ugbawka, emphasizing that a modern concrete replacement bridge was already under construction long before the incident occurred.
During an on-the-spot assessment at the site on Sunday 30th November, 2025, Hon. Edeh revealed that the Enugu State Government had, well ahead of the collapse, awarded and commenced work on a new permanent concrete bridge across the same river, as well as the strategic Ugbawka–Ihuokpara road project designed to enhance connectivity and economic activities in the agrarian communities.
“The Governor did not wait for this old iron bridge to collapse before taking action. Construction of the new concrete bridge and the Ugbawka–Ihuokpara road had reached advanced stages even before the unfortunate incident,” the council chairman stated.
He particularly praised Gowask Construction Nigeria Limited, the handling contractor, for its rapid mobilization and erection of a palliative (temporary) bridge within days of the collapse, thereby restoring vehicular and pedestrian movement across the river and minimizing disruption to residents.
Hon. Edeh urged individuals and groups circulating information about the collapse to always present the full facts, noting that many reports failed to mention that the new permanent bridge had been awarded and was actively under construction prior to the failure of the old structure.
“The contractor has demonstrated exceptional professionalism and patriotism. In a matter of days, they are providing palliative bridge so our people can continue their daily activities while the permanent structure is completed,” he added.
The site engineer of Gowask Construction Nigeria Ltd assured the chairman and residents that the new bridge would be delivered ahead of schedule, stating: “We are working round the clock with full support from the state government. We assure the good people of Nkanu East that before next rainy season, they will be driving on a brand-new, durable concrete bridge.”
Residents of Ugbawka and surrounding communities who turned out during the chairman’s visit expressed profound relief and appreciation for the administration’s proactive measures, describing Governor Mbah’s intervention as timely and transformative.
The old iron bridge, constructed several decades ago, had exhibited visible signs of structural distress before finally giving way under the weight of a heavy truck a few days ago. Fortunately, no lives were lost in the incident.
With the new concrete bridge and the Ugbawka–Ihuokpara road project now progressing at full speed, residents of Nkanu East LGA say the Peter Mbah administration has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to rural infrastructure development and improved livelihood in the area.
©Nkanu East Media