Kpanti Napu Bridge At The Verge Of Collapse

A bridge linking Kpanti Napu and the Specialist Hospital area in Jalingo is on the verge of collapse due to heavy erosion dilapidating the bridge.

Concerned residents in the area are worried that during the rainy season, the water bed is washed off, which is gradually causing gully erosion.

The Taraba Truth and Facts Newspaper correspondent, who was at the scene of the dilapidated bridge, reported that the foot of the bridge is washed off and the iron rods which were used in laying down the foundation of the bridge are gradually breaking and becoming bare.

An expert who was at the scene of the damaged bridge explained that the nature of the dilapidated bridge will, in the nearest future, cause a lot of damage if proper maintenance is not adhered to.

The expert, who pleaded not to be named and went under the bridge to do further findings, said the foot of the bridge is eroding gradually, which will lead to the eventual collapse of the bridge if prompt action is not taken.

He noted that at the peak of every rainy season, there is always a high flow of water under the bridge. He further explains that the eroding of the bridge is gradually causing the bridge to break.

He calls on all those around that area to be on alert as the next rainy season will favor them if proper preventive measures are not taken to curb the disaster.

Mr. Robert Shaukani laments the plight of the bridge and calls for its immediate attention by the government, even as he pleaded that work on the bridge should commence immediately to avert the coming disaster.

Mr. John Konla, a motorcyclist, has started entertaining fears, saying that the bridge may collapse on them one day while crossing to the other side of the road.

According to Mr. Jude Pagher, he urged the Taraba State Government and the road maintenance agency to delve into this matter as fast as possible to prevent the total collapse of the said bridge, as it will cause a slowdown in most activities.

"The government should tackle this project quickly before it gets out of hand," he laments.