Plateau gov’t raises alarm over imminent collapse of federal bridges

Plateau State Government has raised concerns over what it described as deteriorating condition of five major Federal Government bridges located in the southern part of the state.

It also warned that the bridges are on the brink of collapse and require urgent emergency intervention.

The concern was raised during an inspection tour of the affected bridges led by the Commissioner for Works, Hon. Joshua Ubandoma Laven, alongside other top government officials.

The bridges included the Longvel Bridge along the Shendam-Yelwa Ibi Road in Shendam Local Government Area; Kufai-Yelwa Bridge on the Yelwa–Garkawa Road in Shendam LGA and Bakwai Bridge along the Langtang–Zamko–Garkawa Road in Langtang North LGA.

Others are the Bailey bridges along the Langtang–Wase Road in Langtang North LGA; the Jarmai Bridge along the Dengi–Bashar Road in Kanam LGA; and the Bauchi Road Bridge in Jos North LGA.

Speaking during the inspection, Hon. Laven explained that the Longvel Bridge, constructed several decades ago and has suffered extensive structural damage due to repeated flooding over the years.

He recalled that in 2012, severe flooding undermined the bridge’s foundation and approach, prompting the Federal Government to construct a relief culvert to address the damage.

He, however, added that subsequent floods between 2014 and 2018 further weakened the structure, leading to the failure of the retaining wall and approach embankment.

According to him, floodwaters also undermined the foundation of a second relief box culvert, causing it to sink and resulting in noticeable subsidence at the bridge approach.

He added that the bridge piles are now exposed, while sand excavation activities downstream have deepened the riverbed, worsening the structural instability.

“The bridge has outlived its serviceable age. The best solution is complete demolition and reconstruction to guarantee safe connectivity,” he said.

He also said that the Longvel Bridge is a strategic route linking Plateau State with Nasarawa, Taraba, and other neighboring states, warning that its collapse would severely disrupt interstate movement and economic activities.

The Commissioner disclosed that the Kufai-Yelwa Bridge and the Langtang-Wase Bailey bridges have already collapsed, while others remain in critical condition.

He described the situation as an emergency, noting that all the affected bridges are Federal Government projects.

He called on the Federal Government to deploy an emergency response team and provide funds for urgent rehabilitation before the full establishment of this year’s rainy season.

While noting that the state government has intervened in some federal infrastructure within Jos metropolis, including areas around Maraban Jama’a, UTC Junction, and Bauchi Road, he stressed that the current burden is overwhelming.

“This is beyond the capacity of the state government. We are appealing to the Federal Government to act swiftly to rescue the people of southern Plateau and other Nigerians who rely on these routes,” he added.

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