By By Elizabeth Ugbo
The Plateau State Government has raised alarm over five failing Federal Government bridges in the southern zone.
The warning came during an inspection tour on Thursday.
The tour was led by Commissioner for Works, Hon. Joshua Ubandoma Laven.
It covered Shendam, Langtang North, Kanam, and Jos North LGAs.
Accordingly, the government warned that the bridges are near collapse.
Therefore, it called for urgent federal emergency intervention.
Bridges Identified as Structurally Unsafe
During the inspection, officials listed the affected bridges.
They include Longvel Bridge on the Shendam–Yelwa Ibi Road in Shendam LGA.
They also include Kufai Yelwa Bridge on the Yelwa–Garkawa Road.
Similarly, Bakwai Bridge on the Langtang–Zamko–Garkawa Road was identified.
In addition, the Bailey bridges on the Langtang–Wase Road were inspected.
Furthermore, Jarmai Bridge on the Dengi–Bashar Road was listed.
The Bauchi Road Bridge in Jos North LGA was also flagged.
Longvel Bridge Faces Severe Structural Damage
Speaking at Longvel Bridge, Laven explained the extent of the damage.
He noted that the bridge was constructed several decades ago.
However, repeated flooding has weakened the structure over time.
In 2012, severe flooding undermined the bridge foundation.
Consequently, the Federal Government constructed a relief culvert.
However, floods between 2014 and 2018 worsened the damage.
As a result, the retaining wall and embankment failed.
Floodwaters also weakened a second relief box culvert.
Therefore, the culvert sank and caused visible subsidence.
Additionally, bridge piles are now exposed.
Meanwhile, sand excavation downstream has deepened the riverbed.
Consequently, structural instability has increased.
According to Laven, the bridge has exceeded its service life.
Therefore, he recommended complete demolition and reconstruction.
Collapsed Bridges and Emergency Warning
Laven disclosed that Kufai Yelwa Bridge has already collapsed.
Similarly, the Langtang–Wase Bailey bridges have failed.
Meanwhile, other bridges remain in critical condition.
Therefore, he described the situation as an emergency.
He stressed that the projects belong to the Federal Government.
However, their collapse would cut off several communities.
Consequently, interstate movement and trade would suffer.
Rainy Season Raises Further Concerns
Furthermore, Laven warned that the rainy season is approaching.
He noted that rainfall between March and April could worsen conditions.
Therefore, he urged the Federal Government to act swiftly.
He called for emergency response teams and immediate funding.
Although the state has intervened in some federal infrastructure in Jos, the burden remains heavy.
He mentioned areas around Maraban Jama’a, UTC Junction, and Bauchi Road.
However, he emphasized that the current crisis exceeds state capacity.
Economic Impact and Food Supply Risks
Also speaking, Commissioner for Information, Hon. Joyce Lohya Ramnap, highlighted the economic risks.
She described Longvel Bridge as a key regional link.
Accordingly, it connects the North Central to the South-East and North-East.
She noted that southern Plateau is a major food-producing hub.
Therefore, agricultural produce moves daily through these routes.
If the bridges collapse, food supply chains will be disrupted.
Consequently, commerce and regional connectivity will suffer.
Call for Urgent Federal Intervention
Ramnap warned that early rainfall signs have already appeared.
Therefore, immediate federal attention is critical.
She urged swift action to prevent isolation of communities.
Meanwhile, the Plateau State Government continues rural road construction.
These projects aim to boost economic growth and improve security.
However, officials insist that federal intervention remains urgent.
source:vangard
