The issue had been clarified by project engineers, who confirmed that the affected section was only part of a temporary formwork and not a structural component of the bridge
By Eze Victor, Abakaliki
The Chairman of Ebonyi Local Government Area, Barrister Chinedu Augustin Uburu, has defended the quality of infrastructure projects being executed by the Ebonyi State Government, insisting that allegations of substandard work on the ongoing Ogbogbo-Ekebeligwe Ishieke Bridge are without merit.
Speaking during an inspection of the bridge project on Thursday, Uburu said Governor Francis Ogbonnaya Nwifuru’s administration had transformed the council area through the execution of major road and bridge projects as well as other development initiatives aimed at improving the lives of residents.
He described the governor’s investment in infrastructure as unprecedented, noting that communities across the local government were already benefiting from improved road networks and public facilities.
Among the projects highlighted by the council chairman were the completion of the Nwogbaga Alo Road from the stadium axis to Randa, the extension of the road to Otam, Nwofe and Egwudinagu, and the completion of the Ekebeligwe-Ishieke Road, a project initiated during the administration of former Governor and current Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi.
Uburu also pointed to the construction of key bridges, including those at Oji Nwogbaga Alo, Ogbogbo-Egwudinagu Ishieke and Ogbogbo-Ekebeligwe, describing them as critical projects that would improve access and stimulate economic growth in the area.
Addressing concerns raised over a visible crack on the Ogbogbo-Ekebeligwe Bridge, the chairman said the issue had been clarified by project engineers, who confirmed that the affected section was only part of a temporary formwork and not a structural component of the bridge.
He maintained that none of the projects executed by Governor Nwifuru in the council area had fallen below acceptable engineering standards.
Uburu urged members of the public to avoid drawing conclusions on technical matters without consulting qualified professionals, stressing that engineering assessments should be left to experts.
He added that large infrastructure projects require time and careful execution to ensure durability and long-term value, rather than being rushed for the sake of meeting deadlines.
Providing further clarification, the Site Manager of the project, Engineer Samson Ogbonnaya Ezeali, said the bridge was being constructed strictly in line with approved engineering specifications.
According to him, Grade 40 concrete is being used for the bridge beams, while Grade 30 concrete is being applied on the bridge deck slab, in line with standard engineering practice.
Ezeali explained that the crack observed by some residents was limited to a temporary formwork and pedestrian walkway, which are non-load-bearing elements and have no effect on the structural stability of the bridge.
He attributed the minor defect to the difficult process of transporting heavy bridge components across streams and rough terrain to the construction site, adding that the affected section could be easily repaired without compromising the integrity of the project.
Some residents, including Onyebuchi Ekpiri, Clement Nwanshi and Christian Nkwuda, welcomed the ongoing construction, expressing confidence that the completed bridge would ease movement, enhance trade and improve access to neighbouring communities, especially during the rainy season when the area is often difficult to traverse.
The Ogbogbo-Ekebeligwe Ishieke Bridge is one of several infrastructure projects being undertaken by the Ebonyi State Government to strengthen rural connectivity and drive socio-economic development across the state.