Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani.
Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani has ended more than two decades of hardship for residents of Giwa Local Government Area following the reconstruction of the Store Bridge along the Marabar Yakawada–Kaya Road, a development that has restored economic and social activities across several communities.
Residents who spoke to journalists during a media tour of government projects said the bridge has revived agriculture, commerce and access to essential services by reconnecting communities that were often cut off during the rainy season.
They commended Governor Uba Sani’s rural transformation initiatives, describing the reconstructed bridge as a critical lifeline that has restored access to markets, healthcare facilities and farmlands.
A commercial driver from Kaya village, Malam Shehu Muharazu, said motorists and commuters faced enormous difficulties before the bridge was rebuilt.
According to him, the collapsed structure made movement almost impossible during the rainy season, disrupting economic activities and isolating communities for long periods.
He noted that Giwa is predominantly an agrarian area and that farming activities were often hampered whenever heavy rains rendered the route impassable.
“The road links the southern and northern parts of Giwa Local Government Area and also serves as a gateway to neighbouring communities in Katsina State,” he said.
“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 added.
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 recalled.
Another resident, Malam Muhammad Aminu of Gadagau community, said the collapsed bridge had adversely affected healthcare delivery in the area.
He explained that 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.
Speaking during the project tour, the Commissioner for Information and Culture, Malam Ahmed Maiyaki, said the exercise was organised to provide journalists with first-hand information on the impact of ongoing projects across Kaduna State.
He said the reconstruction of the Store Bridge reflects Governor Uba Sani’s commitment to inclusive rural development and improved living conditions for citizens.
“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
