The reconstruction of the Store Bridge along the Marabar Yakawada–Kaya Road in the Giwa Local Government Area of Kaduna State has brought an end to more than two decades of hardship for residents, reviving agricultural, commercial and social activities across communities that were previously cut off, especially during the rainy season.
Residents who commended Governor Uba Sani’s rural transformation drive described the bridge as a critical lifeline that has restored access to markets, healthcare facilities and farmlands.
Before the intervention, the collapsed bridge made movement extremely difficult during the rainy season, disrupting economic activities and isolating communities for extended periods.
The predominantly agrarian communities said farming activities often slowed to a halt whenever heavy rains rendered the route impassable.
The road serves as a strategic link between the southern and northern parts of Giwa Local Government Area and also provides access to neighbouring communities in Katsina State.
Speaking during a media tour of the project, Shehu Muharazu, a commercial driver from Kaya village, said motorists and commuters faced enormous challenges before the bridge was reconstructed.
“Whenever the rains came, transporting passengers and goods to the major market in Giwa became a nightmare. In many cases, we had to travel through Sabuwa and Funtua in Katsina State to reach our destination, increasing fuel costs and exposing us to additional risks.
“The situation affected our income because transportation costs became too high and many people avoided travelling,” he said.
A farmer and resident of Marabar Yakawada, Mallam Ibrahim, said the failed bridge frequently stranded farmers returning from their farms.
“After a day’s work, you could get to the bridge and discover that rainfall upstream had made it impossible to cross. Many people spent hours waiting for the water level to subside before continuing their journey,” he recalled.
Another resident, Mallam Muhammad Aminu of the Gadagau community, said the collapsed bridge had severe consequences for healthcare delivery in the area.
According to him, referrals from Primary Healthcare Centres in communities around Gadagau and Maraban Fatika were often delayed or disrupted, contributing to avoidable maternal and infant deaths.
“The reconstruction of this bridge has significantly improved access to emergency healthcare services and reduced the challenges faced by pregnant women and other vulnerable residents,” he said.
Earlier, the Kaduna State Commissioner for Information and Culture, Ahmed Maiyaki, led a team of journalists on an inspection tour of development projects across Zone One of the state.
Maiyaki said the tour was organised at the instance of Governor Uba Sani to provide journalists with first-hand information on the impact of ongoing government projects and interventions across Kaduna State.
According to him, the reconstruction of the Store Bridge reflects Governor Uba Sani’s commitment to inclusive rural development and the welfare of citizens across the state.
“Governor Uba Sani is deliberately investing in infrastructure that directly impacts the lives of citizens. The Store Bridge is not just a crossing point; it is a lifeline that has restored economic activities, improved access to healthcare and eased the movement of people and goods after more than two decades of hardship,” Maiyaki said.
He added that the administration would continue to prioritise strategic infrastructure projects that promote economic growth, strengthen social services and improve the quality of life of residents, particularly in rural communities.
