20 Years After Collapse, Gov Sani Reconnects Giwa Communities

Giwa, Kaduna State — More than 20 years after the collapse of the Store Bridge along the Marabar Yakawada–Kaya Road, Governor Uba Sani has restored access to dozens of communities in Giwa Local Government Area through its reconstruction, bringing an end to years of hardship and reviving economic activities.

Residents, who spoke to journalists during a media tour of government projects in Kaduna State, said the reconstructed bridge has transformed the lives of thousands of people by restoring year-round access to markets, healthcare facilities, schools and farmlands.

They described the project as a major milestone in the governor's rural infrastructure drive, noting that communities previously cut off during the rainy season can now move freely, transport farm produce with ease and access essential services without fear of being stranded.

A commercial driver from Kaya village, Malam Shehu Muharazu, said the collapse of the bridge had, for years, subjected motorists and commuters to untold hardship.

According to him, movement between communities became almost impossible whenever heavy rains washed across the river, disrupting commercial activities and isolating residents.

He explained that Giwa Local Government is largely agrarian, adding that the poor state of the bridge often prevented farmers from transporting their produce to markets.

"The road is a strategic link between the southern and northern parts of Giwa Local Government Area and also connects several communities in neighbouring Katsina State.

"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 from Marabar Yakawada, Malam Ibrahim Muhammadu, also recalled how the failed bridge regularly stranded farmers returning from their farms.

"After a day's work, you could get to the bridge only to 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 said.

Another resident, Malam Muhammad Aminu of Gadagau community, said the bridge's collapse also had serious consequences for healthcare delivery.

He noted that referrals from Primary Healthcare Centres in Gadagau, Maraban Fatika and surrounding communities were frequently delayed because of the impassable route, 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.

Speaking during the media tour, the Kaduna State Commissioner for Information and Culture, Malam Ahmed Maiyaki, said the inspection was organised to enable journalists to assess the impact of ongoing government projects across the state.

He said the reconstruction of the Store Bridge reflects Governor Uba Sani's commitment to inclusive rural development and improving the living conditions of residents.

"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 stimulate economic growth, strengthen social services and improve the quality of life of residents, particularly in rural communities.