Niger: Bridge Linking Multibillion Naira Baro Inland Port Collapses

The bridge linking Baro, where the multibillion Naira inland port was built by the last administration has collapsed cutting the area completely from the dilapidated Katcha – Baro federal road.

LEADERSHIP findings revealed that no vehicle could go to Baro on the abandoned federal road which contract was awarded about 15 years ago.

It was learnt that the administration of former President Good luck Jonathan awarded the contract in 2011 and was rewarded again in 2019 by the administration of President Mohammed Buhari when the issue of the Baro inland port was at the front burner yet work on the road never commenced.

The convener of Baro Youth Forum (BYF) and Kintako Development Association Hon Jibrin Ndagi Akwanu confirmed to LEADERSHIP that the area was completely cut off and needed urgent intervention.

He said the collapse of the Katcha–Baro Bridge was caused by flooding following the heavy rain that fell last week and wondered why a place hosting a vital transport infrastructure like inland port where billions of naira were expended was allow to be completely cut off.

Akwanu said beside that “the collapse of this vital bridge has brought severe hardship to the people of Baro and neighboring communities, disrupting transportation, economic activities, and social connections among residents”.

“Its destruction has exposed the affected communities to untold suffering, making access to markets, schools, healthcare services, and other important activities extremely difficult” he added.

The community leader appealed to government at all levels and other relevant agencies to urgently come to their aid and fix the Katcha–Baro Bridge because it served as an essential link for commuters, traders, farmers, students, and travelers who rely on it daily for movement and livelihood.

He said “even if the government can not fix the bridge because of the inland port there is need for immediate rehabilitation and reconstruction of the bridge to ensure safe movement of residents and travelers as well as revive economic and commercial activities to reduce the suffering currently faced by the affected communities”.

When contacted the Commissioner for Works Niger State Kabir Abbass could not be reached but a senior officer who prefers anonymity confirmed the report of the collapsed bridge but insisted that the dilapidated highway and collapsed bridge were on a Trunk A road maintained by the federal government.