By Ibrahim Hassan-Wuyo

More than two decades of hardship faced by residents of communities along the Marabar Yakawada–Kaya Road in Giwa Local Government Area of Kaduna State have ended following the reconstruction of the Store Bridge by the administration of Governor Uba Sani.

The project has restored year-round access to several rural communities, reviving agricultural, commercial and social activities that were previously disrupted during the rainy season when the route became impassable.

Residents who spoke during a media tour of the project described the bridge as a vital link that has reconnected them to markets, healthcare facilities and farmlands, while improving the movement of people and goods across the area.

For years, the collapsed bridge isolated communities during heavy rains, forcing residents to endure long detours and higher transport costs. The road also serves as a key corridor linking parts of Giwa LGA with neighbouring communities in Katsina State.

A commercial driver from Kaya village, Mallam Shehu Muharazu, said the situation previously made transportation difficult and expensive during the rainy season.

He said commuters often had to take longer alternative routes, which increased fuel costs and affected income for transport operators.

A farmer from Marabar Yakawada, Mallam Ibrahim, recalled that residents were frequently stranded whenever rainfall made the bridge impassable, delaying movement after farm work and daily activities.

Residents also noted improvements in access to healthcare services.

Mallam Muhammad Aminu of Gadagau community said the bridge’s collapse previously delayed emergency referrals from primary healthcare centres serving surrounding communities, but that access has now improved significantly.

He said the reconstruction has eased the movement of pregnant women and other patients requiring urgent medical attention.

During a media inspection tour, Kaduna State Commissioner for Information and Culture, Ahmed Maiyaki, said the visit was organised on the directive of Governor Uba Sani to showcase the impact of ongoing infrastructure projects across the state.

He described the Store Bridge as part of the administration’s commitment to rural development and improved living standards.

Maiyaki said the project had restored economic activities, improved healthcare access and eased mobility after years of disruption.

He added that the government would continue to prioritise infrastructure projects aimed at boosting economic growth and improving services in rural communities.

For residents, the reconstructed Store Bridge represents renewed access, improved livelihoods and restored connectivity after years of isolation.