Governor Uba Sani has ended 20 years of hardship in Giwa local government, with the reconstruction of the Store Bridge along the Marabar Yakawada–Kaya Road which has also revived the local economy.
Residents of the local government who gave testimonies of the Governor’s peoples-oriented projects in the area, told journalists that the bridge has revived agricultural, commercial and social activities across communities that were previously cut off during the rainy season.
Speaking to journalists who are on media tour, they commended Governor Uba Sani’s rural transformation drive, describing the bridge as a critical lifeline that has restored access to markets, healthcare facilities and farmlands.
Malam Shehu Muharazu, a commercial driver from Kaya village, who spoke to the journalists, noted that motorists and commuters faced enormous challenges before the bridge was reconstructed.
He recalled that the collapsed bridge made movement extremely difficult during the rainy season, disrupting economic activities and isolating communities for extended periods.
According to him, the local government is predominantly agrarian, adding that farming activities often slowed to a halt whenever heavy rains rendered the route impassable.
Shehu pointed out that the road serves as a strategic link between the southern and northern parts of Giwa local government and also provides access to neighbouring communities in Katsina State.
“Whenever the rains came, transporting passengers and goods to the major market in Giwa was 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 who were returning from their farms, stranded.
“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 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.
