RESIDENTS COMMEND GOV. UBA SANI FOR ENDING DECADES-LONG HARDSHIP IN GIWA. (PHOTO).

 Residents Commend Gov. Uba Sani For Ending Decades-Long Hardship In Giwa

Residents of Giwa Local Government Area in Kaduna State have lauded Governor Uba Sani for alleviating over two decades of hardship through the reconstruction of the Store Bridge along the Marabar Yakawada–Kaya Road.

Speaking during a media tour of government projects, residents said the bridge has restored access to markets, healthcare facilities, and farmlands that were previously inaccessible during the rainy season due to the collapse of the old structure.

They described the project as a significant achievement under the governor’s rural development agenda, noting that it has improved the movement of people and goods across several communities in the area.

A commercial driver from Kaya village, Shehu Muharazu, recounted the difficulties motorists and commuters experienced before the bridge was rebuilt. He said transportation became nearly impossible during the rainy season, disrupting economic activities and isolating communities for long periods.

According to him, Giwa is largely an agricultural area, and farming activities suffered whenever heavy rainfall made the route impassable.

“The road is a vital link between the northern and southern parts of Giwa and also connects residents to neighbouring communities in Katsina State. During the rainy season, transporting passengers and goods to the Giwa market became extremely difficult. Many of us had to travel through Sabuwa and Funtua in Katsina State, increasing transport costs, fuel consumption, and security risks,” he said.

Muharazu added that the situation negatively affected the earnings of transport operators, as many residents avoided travelling due to the high costs and challenges involved.

Also speaking, a farmer from Marabar Yakawada, Ibrahim Muhammadu, said the damaged bridge had long posed serious challenges to farmers and rural dwellers.

He explained that many residents returning from their farms were often stranded whenever rainfall caused water levels around the bridge to rise.

“After a day’s work on the farm, you could reach the bridge only to find that flooding upstream had made crossing impossible. Many people spent hours waiting for the water to recede before continuing their journey,” he said.

Another resident, Muhammad Aminu of Gadagau community, noted that the collapsed bridge had hindered access to healthcare services for years.

He said referrals from primary healthcare centres in communities around Gadagau and Maraban Fatika were frequently delayed, contributing to preventable maternal and infant deaths.

“The reconstruction of the bridge has greatly improved access to emergency healthcare. Pregnant women and other vulnerable residents can now reach medical facilities more quickly and safely,” he said.

Residents added that, beyond easing transportation challenges, the project has boosted commercial activities, improved access to education, and strengthened social interaction among communities previously separated by poor infrastructure.

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

He described the reconstruction of the Store Bridge as evidence of Governor Uba Sani’s commitment to inclusive development and the welfare of rural communities.

“Governor Uba Sani is investing in infrastructure that directly improves the lives of citizens. The Store Bridge is more than a crossing point; it is a lifeline that has restored economic activities, improved healthcare access, and eased the movement of people and goods after more than 20 years of hardship,” Maiyaki said.

He added that the administration would continue to prioritise strategic infrastructure projects capable of driving economic growth, improving social services, and enhancing the quality of life of residents across Kaduna State.

According to the commissioner, the government remains focused on delivering projects that address immediate community needs while laying the foundation for long-term development.This version is cleaner, more concise, and suitable for publication while preserving all key facts and quotations.