By Princely Onyenwe | News Desk
The deteriorating condition of the Nworie Bridge along the Old Nekede Road, shortly after the West End axis of Owerri, Imo State, has raised fresh concerns over the safety of motorists and other road users who depend on the route daily.
The bridge, which has become increasingly hazardous, presents an especially serious danger at night when poor visibility makes it difficult for unsuspecting motorists to identify damaged portions of the road and negotiate the affected section safely.
For motorists unfamiliar with the route, the situation is particularly worrying. A driver approaching the bridge at speed or without adequate warning could be exposed to a serious accident, especially where there are inadequate safety measures, visible road markings or other effective indicators to alert road users.
The development is another troubling chapter in the long-running deterioration of the Old Nekede Road corridor. The road serves as an important link between Owerri and several communities and institutions around Nekede, Ihiagwa and adjoining areas, including the Federal Polytechnic Nekede and other major establishments.
The condition of the road has previously attracted public concern, with reports documenting severe erosion, damaged sections and bridge-related challenges along the Nekede axis. In 2025, residents also raised alarm over the deteriorating Naze-Nekede-Ihiagwa-Obinze corridor and the condition of a bridge linking communities in the area.
Against this background, the present condition of the Nworie Bridge should not be treated as an ordinary road-maintenance issue. It is a public-safety matter requiring immediate assessment by the relevant authorities before the situation results in avoidable loss of lives or destruction of vehicles.
Residents and motorists are therefore calling on Governor Hope Uzodimma and the Imo State Government to urgently direct the Ministry of Works and relevant agencies to inspect the bridge and commence whatever emergency and permanent construction measures are necessary to restore the road to a safe and durable condition.
The concern also extends beyond the bridge itself. Nekede remains a strategically important community within Owerri West, hosting major educational, commercial and public institutions. The Old Nekede Road provides access to a densely used corridor, making the quality of its infrastructure significant not only to residents but also to students, workers, businesses and visitors.
There is also a growing feeling among sections of the Nekede community that its contribution to Imo State’s development has not been adequately reflected in infrastructure and political representation. Community stakeholders have continued to point to Nekede’s substantial contribution of land for public projects and institutions while seeking a stronger development presence and greater consideration in government appointments and other opportunities.
For now, however, the immediate priority is safety. The Nworie Bridge cannot afford to become another tragedy waiting to happen. The Imo State Government is therefore urged to treat the situation as an emergency, secure the affected section, provide adequate warnings for motorists and move swiftly toward a comprehensive reconstruction of the bridge and the adjoining road.
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