There was jubilation at Otuokpoti community in Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa State as the Councillor representing Ward ll in the local government legislative council, Onem Miracle Tyna, constructed a bridge linking the community and adjoining ones as a constituency project.
For years, the coastal area of Otuokpoti community could only be accessed using an old wooden bridge.
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However, Tyna decided to construct a bridge in the community as part of her constituency project.
According to her, she remembered how, as a child, she used to walked on the wooden bridge called in the local parlance “monkey bridge”.
Niger Delta Trust also reports that in her determination to see to the success of the project, she sacrificed her car allowance when the money earmarked for the project was exhausted.
“When we started the work, I realised the money was not enough. The work was not even up to 10 percent done. Since I could not abandon it at that stage, I used the money that was given to me to purchase a car to complete the first phase.
“However, when the governor heard about it, he called me and gave me additional money to expand the bridge. That was how I went back to construct a bigger bridge.
“That bridge links the community to the main road. If there is fund, I will also construct the road. With that bridge, my people can easily access the health centre in my community and the highway.
“This is the sacrifice I have to make for my people. This is more important to me than driving a car at the moment.’’
She advised other female politicians to always reach out to their people.
“The main purpose for people electing you as a leader is to reach out to the people especially at the grass root.
“I also plead with the government to help us complete the other portions of the road after the bridge.’’
A member of the community, Godgift Nestor, said the bridge was becoming a dangerous spot and many residents sustained injuries while crossing.
Mr Mie Evarada, a bicycle rider, expressed happiness over the bridge, that has made his work easy.
He said: “We can now drive through to the community. Before now, Okada couldn’t pass here. When we got to this point, we would drop our passengers for them to trek, but today, we drop them in front of their houses.’’
