4 hours ago
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Residents and commuters have once again been thrown into distress following the submergence of the Namnai Bridge in Gassol Local Government Area of Taraba State after only the second rainfall of the year.
At the time of filing this report, several vehicles were stranded as movement across the area was completely cut off, disrupting daily economic activities and leaving many travellers trapped on both sides of the bridge.
The latest incident comes despite earlier warnings by community members over the fragility of the temporary repairs previously carried out on the bridge.
Many residents who spoke to DAILY POST said their concerns were ignored, as the structure has failed much sooner than anticipated.
The situation has again imposed renewed hardship on locals, with access routes blocked and livelihoods severely affected.
Frustration, at the time of filing this report, is mounting among residents, who are calling on authorities to provide a permanent solution rather than resorting to repeated short-term fixes.
Critics have also pointed to what they describe as a pattern of neglect, raising questions about the commitment of authorities to sustainable infrastructure development in Taraba State and the country at large.
Some drivers who spoke with DAILY POST expressed deep disappointment over what they described as the lukewarm attitude of authorities toward fixing the bridge, nearly two years after it was first washed away.
“Since this bridge was washed away in 2024, the authorities have not deemed it fit to come to our rescue by fixing it. Instead, they derive pleasure in spending our hard earned money on projects that do not positively impact the masses,” said a driver, who identified himself as Amadin Sule.
He further alleged that despite several promises made by the Minister of State for Regional Affairs, Alhaji Uba Maigeri, to facilitate the reconstruction of the bridge, no visible action has been taken.
As the rainy season progresses, fears remain that the situation could deteriorate further if urgent and decisive intervention is not carried out.
