The Executive Mayor of Ikwuano Local Government Area of Abia State, Dr Anthony Nwaubani, has inspected the nearing-completion Ehie/Azunchai Bridge, a strategic infrastructure project designed to connect Azunchai community in Ariam-Usaka Clan with Obeachara Awomukwu in Oloko Ward 2, Oloko Clan, both in Ikwuano Local Government Area.
Nwaubani, who carried out the inspection on Wednesday, August 19, 2026, in the company of some members of the Ikwuano Legislative Council, expressed satisfaction with the progress of work on the bridge, describing the project as a significant intervention that would bring relief to residents who have endured decades of difficult access between the two neighbouring communities.
The bridge spans the Ehie River, which for generations has constituted a major barrier between the communities. Despite their geographical proximity, the absence of a connecting road has historically made movement between Azunchai and Obeachara Awomukwu difficult, constraining commerce, social interaction and access to economic opportunities.
Moved by the hardship faced by residents, Mayor Nwaubani had requested the construction of the bridge as part of efforts to address critical infrastructure gaps and improve connectivity across Ikwuano. His request received the approval of the Abia State Government under the administration of the Governor, Dr Alex Chioma Otti, OFR, whom the council mayor commended for his responsiveness to the needs of rural communities.
Speaking during the inspection, Nwaubani said the bridge was more than a physical structure, stressing that its completion would have far-reaching implications for the economic and social development of the benefiting communities.
“This bridge is about more than connecting two communities; it is about connecting our people to opportunities. For centuries, the Ehie River separated communities that are geographically close but practically distant. We felt the pain of our people and knew that something had to be done. I am grateful to Gov. Alex Otti for approving this important project and giving our people another reason to believe in government,” Nwaubani said.
The council mayor noted that infrastructure development remains central to creating an enabling environment for economic empowerment, explaining that roads and bridges are indispensable to the movement of people, agricultural produce, goods and services.
According to him, the active involvement of the beneficiary communities in monitoring the project reflects his administration’s commitment to ensuring that government interventions are properly executed and deliver sustainable value to the people.
Nwaubani said the Azunchai community, alongside the relevant councillors, had been closely involved in monitoring the project to promote accountability, quality assurance and timely completion.
He specifically acknowledged the contributions of the councillors representing Ariam Ward and Oloko Ward 1, Hon. Chimankpam Felix and Hon. Joe Ukandu, respectively, for their participation in monitoring the project and maintaining communication with the benefiting communities.
“We deliberately brought the people into the process because they are the direct beneficiaries. Our councillors and the Azunchai community have played important roles in monitoring the work. We want this bridge completed to the highest possible standard because it is an investment in the future of our people. Once completed, it will improve transportation, facilitate commerce and strengthen the economic integration of these communities,” he added.
The contractor handling the project is said to be awaiting favourable weather conditions, particularly the cessation of the rains, before undertaking the final phase of construction.
Nwaubani expressed confidence that the remaining works would be completed as soon as weather conditions permit, adding that the project represents another demonstration of the Otti administration’s commitment to extending development beyond urban centres to communities that have historically faced infrastructural deficits.
He further maintained that the bridge would contribute to the growth of local commerce by making it easier for farmers, traders and other residents to move their goods and access neighbouring communities.
The inspection also provided an opportunity for Nwaubani and the councillors to reaffirm their support for Gov. Otti ahead of the 2027 general elections, declaring that the people of Ikwuano would reciprocate the governor’s developmental interventions.
Nwaubani and the councillors assured the governor that Ikwuano remains firmly behind his administration, maintaining that the visible impact of projects such as the Ehie/Azunchai Bridge would continue to strengthen public confidence in his leadership.
They declared that the people of Ikwuano are “100 per cent” in support of Gov. Alex Otti’s 2027 bid, arguing that his record of infrastructure development and responsive governance is increasingly speaking for itself across the local government.