The Impact of Bridge and Road Destruction on Communities
Bridges and roads are essential components of any society, enabling the movement of people and goods across regions. However, in recent months, communities across various parts of the country have been facing the consequences of devastating floods that have washed away bridges and disrupted vital road networks. This report explores how the destruction of these critical infrastructures is affecting the lives of people.
Kufai Bridge in Plateau State
In Plateau State, the Kufai bridge, located near Yelwa community in Shendam Local Government Area, has been a crucial link for motorists and pedestrians in the southern part of the state. Built over three decades ago, it serves as a vital connection between Plateau and neighboring states like Nasarawa and Taraba. Unfortunately, the bridge collapsed in 2022 and remained in disrepair until a partial repair was done this year. However, barely two weeks after the repair, the bridge collapsed again during heavy rainfall, causing significant difficulties for road users.
Residents and commuters express frustration with the repeated collapses. A resident, Wayu Bamga, stated, “The collapse of the bridge has been causing hardship. We have been struggling.” Another resident, Nanlong Nyas, noted, “I remember that last week, the bridge was repaired, but after the recent rainfall, it collapsed again.”
Namnai Bridge in Taraba
One year after the collapse of Namnai bridge along Jalingo-Wukari, the state and federal government have yet to address the suffering of thousands of travelers. Promises from the federal government, Governor Agbu Kefas, and the North-East Development Commission to reconstruct the bridge have not been fulfilled. The bridge, which collapsed after heavy rainfall in August 2024, links several states in the North-East to other regions. The lack of action has led to increased transportation costs and dangers for those crossing the river using ferries.
A commercial vehicle driver, Adamu Hamman, recalled an incident where a pregnant woman and a three-year-old child were on an engine boat ferrying them across and it capsized. Another driver, Adamu Jafaru, complained about high fees charged by ferry operators. Muhammed Umar, a regular driver, called on the federal government to rebuild the bridge to ease the movement of goods and services.
Zango-Gwallaga Bridge in Bauchi
Commercial activities at the Zango-Gwallaga Mayaki community in Bauchi have been paralysed following the collapse of the bridge during heavy downpours. Residents have faced significant challenges, with some selling their houses to relocate. A resident, Muhammad Idris, noted that gully erosion is exacerbating the situation. Another resident, Abubakar Sadiq, said the collapse had created a difficult situation for the people.
Gwalli Bridge in Sokoto
In what has become a recurring tragedy in northern Nigeria, the lives of ordinary citizens are being lost due to neglect and failed infrastructure. On Saturday, a locally made bridge in Gummi Local Government Area of Zamfara State collapsed under the weight of an overloaded commercial bus, killing 19 people. Survivors described the wooden bridge as a “known death trap,” particularly during the rainy season.
The representative of the area in the state House of Assembly, Adamu Gumi, expressed frustration, stating that the bridge had been budgeted for but nothing was done. Residents were forced to create dangerous makeshift paths, leading to this tragic accident.
Fana Bridge in Kebbi
Kebbi State has also suffered from devastating havoc caused by floods, with some bridges washing away and the ever-busy Birnin Kebbi-Makera road becoming a no-go zone for vehicles. The Fana bridge in Dandi Local Government Area was washed away, causing untold hardship for the communities. A paddy rice trader in Fana, Sanusi Fana, said, “We could not come out of our community because of the collapse of the bridge.”
Babban Rami Bridge in Niger
Niger State continues to face setbacks with the collapse of the Babban Rami bridge in Mashegu Local Government Area following heavy rainfall. The bridge, which served as a major link between the northern and southern parts of Nigeria, was in poor condition for years before finally collapsing. Residents and heavy-duty vehicle drivers decried the slow pace of construction on key roads, calling on the federal government to complete the projects to ease their suffering.
