By John Mkom, Jalingo
North East Development Commission (NEDC) has promised to construct the collapsed Namnai Bridge linking Gasol and Ardo-Kola local government areas along the Jalingo-Wukari Federal Highway in Taraba State.
Namnai Bridge collapsed about a week ago due to a heavy downpour, causing great hardship for travelers from northern and southern parts of the country.
The managing director of NEDC, Muhammed Alkali who visited the collapsed bridge yesterday promised that the commission would construct the bridge in a modern way to avoid further destruction.
Alkali regretted the pain travelers were experiencing as a result of the road’s disconnection caused by the downpour.
The MD pleaded with travelers who were seen crossing the collapsed bridge with difficulty to accept the challenge, adding that it was caused by effects of climate change.
“We will not shy away from our responsibilities. We are going to commence preparations for reconstruction of the road immediately,” the MD hinted, though he did not give the actual time to commence the work.
The Taraba State deputy governor, Alminu Alkali, had on Thursday requested the North East Development Commission (NEDC) to intervene on the collapsed bridge.
Alkali made the request when he received the management team of the NEDC who paid him a courtesy visit in Jalingo.
The deputy governor said the collapse bridge was on the highway that linked the North East and the Southern parts of the nation.
He stressed the need for a quick intervention on the bridge due to its economic and transportation viability.
He also advised the commission to consult the state before allocation of projects, adding that state officials would determine the needs and priority of projects being cited for the people.
