Residents of Obinagu Uwani in Akpugo Ward One, Nkanu West Local Government Area of Enugu State are stranded following the total collapse of the Inyiowere Bridge, the only access road to their community.
The incident has isolated the community, leaving them unable to travel to neighboring areas.
According to residents, they woke up to find that the bridge, which links Amaeke Village and Orji Village, had completely collapsed, cutting off their only route to other communities.
This has caused immense hardship, as the community can no longer access markets, healthcare, and other essential services.
The bridge, originally constructed by the people of Obinagu Uwani Akpugo in the 1970s, connects the ward to neighboring areas, including Agbani in Nkanu West and Ihuokpara Ward in Nkanu East Local Government Area.
The collapse has made transportation to these areas virtually impossible, disrupting daily life and economic activities.
The transportation of farm produce has become a major challenge, as the collapsed bridge is the only route to the local market.
In addition to the economic impact, the community is facing heightened hardship and hunger, further exacerbated by the country’s already harsh economic realities.
Residents are urgently calling for intervention from both the Nkanu West Local Government Authority and the Enugu State Government to reconstruct the bridge and restore access to the road.
Without immediate action, the community will remain isolated and continue to suffer the consequences of the collapse.
Rt. Hon. Chibuike Felix Ani, Majority Leader of the Nkanu West Local Government Legislative Council and Councillor representing Obinagu Uwani Akpugo Ward One, emphasized the need for prompt government attention.
“Our tomorrow depends on it,” Ani concluded.
Speaking with DAILY GAZETTE, Ani expressed hope that the government will take swift action to ease the suffering of the community and restore access to their homes.
