Senator Kalu Backs Senate Motion Seeking FG Intervention on Enugu–Mbala Border Bridge
By Ranmilowo Ojalumo The Senator representing Abia North, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu has called on the Federal Government to intervene in the condition of a bridge linking Enugu State to Mbala community in Umunneochi Local Government Area of Abia State, citing its importance to farmers, traders and other residents who depend on the route for their livelihoods.
Senator Kalu made the call during plenary on Friday at the Senate while supporting a motion moved by Senator Osita Ngwu on the state of the bridge and the challenges confronting communities that rely on it for movement and economic activities.
The former Abia State governor said he had visited the area the previous week and sympathised with residents over the condition of the bridge, stressing the need for urgent attention to their concerns.
“I stand to support the motion heavily moved by Senator Osita Ngwu. The bridge he’s talking about is between Enugu State and, precisely, Mbala, Enugu–Umunneochi Local Government of Abia State,” Kalu said.
“I was there last week and I sympathise with the people, and when the senator told me he was getting the motion, there was no need of talking about it again,” he added.
Senator Kalu urged the Senate to support the affected communities and backed the prayers contained in the motion, including calls for appropriate security clearance and measures to address the difficulties faced by residents who use the bridge to access their farms and conduct trading activities.
“Mr President, I encourage the Senate to sympathise with Enugu–Umunneochi people on that bridge, and I also support all the prayers Senator Osita Ngwu has prayed, that security clearance and so forth, and finding remedy for people who used to go to farm across that bridge and trading across the bridge, to see what the Federal Government can do for them,” he said.
The senator stressed that the bridge serves as an important link between the neighbouring communities, facilitating the movement of people, goods and agricultural produce.
He noted that its condition has implications for the daily activities of farmers and traders whose businesses and livelihoods depend on access to the route.
Senator Kalu’s intervention underscored the need for the Federal Government to consider the concerns raised by the affected communities and take appropriate steps to address the challenges associated with the bridge.
