The Senator representing Taraba Central, Engr. Haruna Manu, has called on President Bola Tinubu and the Federal Ministry of Works to prioritise the reconstruction of the collapsed Namnai Bridge in Taraba State.
Speaking during a phone interview with journalists on Friday, Senator Manu expressed deep concern over the economic and social disruptions caused by the bridge’s collapse.
He highlighted the challenges faced by commuters and the negative economic impact on businesses in the region.
“I wish to appeal to President Bola Tinubu and the Federal Ministry of Works to urgently consider reconstructing the collapsed Namnai Bridge in Taraba State,” he said.
“The bridge serves as a crucial link connecting the North-East, parts of the North-Central, and the southern regions of Nigeria. Its collapse has crippled economic activities across these regions.”
Senator Manu also criticized the delay in intervention by the North-East Development Commission, stating, “Since the bridge collapsed, the commission had promised to act swiftly, but to date, no work has commenced.”
Meanwhile, residents of Taraba State have expressed frustration over what they perceive as the federal government’s neglect of their plight.
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They compared the situation to the swift reconstruction of two other bridges along the Yola-Gombe and Gombe-Bauchi roads, which collapsed at the same time as the Namnai Bridge.
Mr. Japhet Tyokyaa, a concerned resident, remarked, “We wonder if Taraba is not as important as other states in Nigeria.
The Namnai Bridge collapsed at the same time as the bridges along Yola-Gombe and Gombe-Bauchi roads, but while those have been reconstructed, no attention has been given to ours.”
Residents have echoed Senator Manu’s call for immediate action, urging the federal government to address the issue and prevent further economic hardships in the region.
“This bridge is a lifeline for the North-East, parts of the North-Central, and the southern regions,” they stressed. “We appeal to President Tinubu to act swiftly to save the economy of the North-East.”
NIGERIAN TRIBUNE