Governor Uba Sani has ended more than two decades of hardship in Kaduna State’s Giwa Local Government Area with the reconstruction of the Store Bridge along the Marabar Yakawada–Kaya Road, a project residents say has revived economic and social activities in the area.
Residents who spoke to journalists during a media tour of government projects commended the governor’s rural development initiatives, describing the bridge as a vital infrastructure that has restored access to markets, healthcare facilities and farmlands that were often cut off during the rainy season.
A commercial driver from Kaya village, Malam Shehu Muharazu, recalled that the collapsed bridge made movement extremely difficult, especially during the rainy season.
According to him, the poor state of the bridge disrupted economic activities and isolated communities for extended periods.
He noted that Giwa is predominantly an agrarian area and farming activities frequently slowed down whenever heavy rains rendered the route impassable.
Muharazu explained that the road serves as a strategic link between the northern and southern parts of Giwa Local Government Area and also connects neighbouring communities in 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 and resident of Marabar Yakawada, Malam Ibrahim Muhammadu, said the failed bridge frequently left farmers stranded while 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 said.
Another resident, Malam Muhammad Aminu of Gadagau community, said the collapsed bridge had also negatively affected healthcare delivery.
He said 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 added.
Speaking during the tour, the Commissioner for Information and Culture, Malam Ahmed Maiyaki, said the exercise was organised to give journalists first-hand information on the impact of ongoing projects across Kaduna State.
He described the reconstruction of the Store Bridge as a reflection of Governor Uba Sani’s commitment to inclusive rural development and citizens’ welfare.
“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 aimed at promoting economic growth, strengthening social services and improving the quality of life of residents, particularly in rural communities.
