There are growing hopes of an economic boost for residents of Buruku, Logo and Ukum Local Government Areas of Benue State, North-Central Nigeria as the long-proposed bridge linking the communities to one another as well as neighbouring states is at an advanced stage of completion.
Some residents who spoke to AIT.live when the Renewed Hope Ambassadors media tour visited the area said the project, when completed, will not only ease the movement of people and goods but also unlock vast economic opportunities across the area.
The idea of constructing a bridge across the Katsina-Ala River in Buruku to facilitate both intra-state and interstate movement was first proposed in the National Assembly in 2008.
For decades, communities in Buruku, Logo and Ukum Local Government Areas of Benue State relied on the rather hazardous ferry and boat services to cross the river.
Some of the residents revealed that crossing the river had claimed several lives in multiple fatal accidents, resulting in the tragic deaths of many Nigerians.
The situation persisted until 2024, when the construction of a modern concrete bridge finally commenced under the President Bola Tinubu administration.
MUST READ: Army Launches “Operation Safe Conduct” For Osun Gov’ship Polls
Today, what once seemed impossible under previous administrations is steadily becoming a reality, raising hopes of improved transportation, economic growth and safer access for residents and commuters.
Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, noted that the project reflects Tinubu’s commitment to connecting communities across Nigeria through the provision of quality road infrastructure.
The Katsina-Ala River Bridge, which suffered years of neglect, is expected to link three local government areas of Benue State and provide a vital road connection to Taraba and Adamawa States in North-East Nigeria.
Other Projects visited include Ameladu water works, High Level interchange, Gboko underpass and other ongoing projects.
(Follow AIT News on WhatsApp, AfricaIndependentTV on YouTube, ait_online on Facebook and X (Formerly Twitter), and officialait on TikTok, Instagram and Threads)
(Editor: Terverr Tyav)
