Taraba Travelers Stranded as Flood Away Temporary Bridge

Taraba Travelers Stranded as Flood Sweeps Away Temporary Bridge

A heavy downpour in Taraba State has wreaked havoc on transportation, as the alternative bridge built to replace the collapsed Namne Bridge along the Jalingo-Wukari road in Gassol Local Government Area has been washed away. The incident has left countless motorists and commuters stranded, forcing them to take a longer and more challenging detour through Garba-Chede town in Bali Local Government Area.

The destruction of the temporary bridge has sparked fresh concerns about the poor state of infrastructure in the region, particularly as the rainy season intensifies. Many travelers expressed frustration over the repeated delays in reconstructing the main bridge, which initially collapsed months ago.

Despite awarding a contract for its reconstruction last month, Governor Agbu Kefas’ administration has yet to mobilize contractors to the site, further compounding the hardship faced by road users. Motorists have also criticized the federal government for failing to intervene swiftly, leaving them to navigate alternative routes that are often unsafe and time-consuming.

With the rainy season in full swing, residents and commuters fear that without urgent action, more road networks could become impassable, deepening the transportation crisis in Taraba and its surrounding areas.