For years, the people of Uwhe, a small but resilient community in Nasarawa Local Government Area of Nasarawa State, have struggled with a problem that many in urban centers take for granted—accessibility.
Their daily lives have been shaped by a treacherous river crossing, one that becomes particularly deadly during the rainy season. With no response from the authorities despite repeated pleas, the residents decided to take matters into their own hands.
Determined to protect their families and ensure that children can reach school safely, the community members pooled their resources and labor to construct a makeshift bridge. This structure, though far from ideal, now serves as their only means of crossing a dangerous river that separates them from essential services such as healthcare, education, and trade.
Speaking to some of the community elders and youth leaders, frustration was evident. They explained that their appeals to local and state authorities had fallen on deaf ears. Promises were made, site inspections were conducted, but nothing materialized. Each rainy season, their situation worsened, with people either risking their lives to cross or being completely cut off from neighboring towns.
“We have waited for too long. We have written letters, called representatives, and even visited government offices. But since no one came to our aid, we had no choice but to come together and build this makeshift bridge with whatever materials we could find,” said one of the residents.
Despite their efforts, they acknowledge that this is far from a lasting solution. The bridge, built with wood and scraps, is fragile and could collapse under heavy rains. What the people need is a solid, durable structure—one that can withstand the elements and provide safety for years to come.
The lack of basic infrastructure has also affected their economy. Farmers are unable to transport their produce to larger markets, forcing them to sell at lower prices within the village. Traders struggle to get goods in and out of the area, and children often miss school because the river is too dangerous to cross after a downpour.
Now, the community is once again calling on the government to take responsibility and provide a permanent solution. They urge authorities to visit the area, assess the situation firsthand, and begin immediate construction of a proper bridge that will not only improve mobility but also boost the local economy.
Residents remain hopeful but wary, knowing that without continued pressure, their cries for help may once again be ignored. Until then, they will continue relying on the bridge they built with their own hands—one born out of necessity rather than government support.
