PHOTOS: Erosion cuts off major bridge, disrupt key routes in Taraba

Erosion has once again rendered one of the major bridges in Taraba State impassable, The Guardian reports.

Located in Mayo-Kam, a community in Bali Local Government Council of the state, the bridge, which was severely damaged, is linked to the recent rainfall which lasted for about six hours last week.

The bridge, which serves as a major connection between multiple communities including Gembu in Takum, Baisa, and Gashaka, at the time of filing this report, has left travellers and transporters stranded, forcing them to seek alternative routes.

Local authorities and residents have continued to call on the state government to, as a matter of urgency, help in addressing the situation.

Noting the impact of the disruption on daily travel and the transportation of goods, they pleaded with the government and other well-to-do individuals to come to their rescue by putting the destroyed bridge in proper shape.

The affected communities, who also raised concerns about the upcoming resumption of academic activities, believe that the bridge, if not urgently fixed, may compel school pupils and students to struggle to reach their schools.

The incident was observed to follow a similar disaster in Namnai, an area of Gassol Local Government Council of the state, where another major bridge connecting Taraba’s capital to Benue State and other parts of southern Nigeria was washed away by floods.

Both bridges, which The Guardian noticed are presently in urgent need of intervention, are located on federal government roads.

Erosion has once again rendered one of the major bridges in Taraba State impassable

Calling for swift intervention, residents of the affected communities who spoke with our correspondent said that the damaged bridge could severely hinder both travel and agricultural activities if not repaired in a timely manner.

Local farmers also expressed concern that their ability to transport produce to nearby markets will be greatly affected as a result of the collapsed bridge, adding that “it can potentially lead to economic hardships in the areas and the state as a whole.”

At the time of filing this report, users of the roads where the two collapsed bridges are located have begun to count the economic damages they have incurred since the bridges were washed away by flood.