Recent bridge collapses across the North-East of Nigeria have sparked urgent concerns about the region’s deteriorating infrastructure. As bridges crumble, experts and the North-East Development Commission (NEDC) are sounding the alarm, highlighting critical factors contributing to these catastrophic failures.
Experts have pointed out that many of the North-East’s bridges were constructed decades ago and have suffered from severe neglect. The absence of regular inspections and essential maintenance has left these vital structures vulnerable to collapse. Aging infrastructure, combined with years of wear and tear, has turned these once-reliable bridges into ticking time bombs.
A significant contributor to the collapse is the poor quality of construction. Experts have revealed that some bridges were built using substandard materials that fail to meet engineering standards. Yakubu Ndila, a leading engineer in the region, emphasized that these inferior materials have resulted in weakened structures unable to withstand the rigors of daily use.
The harsh weather conditions of the North-East, including heavy rainfall and flooding, have also played a significant role in the bridges’ collapse. Engineer Ndila warned that the constant exposure to water and extreme temperature fluctuations accelerates the deterioration of construction materials, further compromising the bridges’ integrity.
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Another critical issue identified is the rampant overloading of vehicles using these bridges. Abbaa Uaman, an infrastructure expert, pointed out that many bridges are frequently subjected to loads far exceeding their designed capacity. This overloading, combined with other stress factors, has pushed these structures beyond their limits, leading to disastrous failures.
The NEDC, led by Managing Director Alhaji Mohammed Alkali Goni, has been at the forefront of addressing these bridge collapses. During a recent visit to the collapsed bridges in Taraba State, Goni expressed deep concern over the frequency of these incidents, attributing them partly to the escalating impacts of climate change.
“Bridge collapses in the North-East have become endemic. Just two weeks ago, I was in Adamawa State for a similar issue. Bauchi, Gombe, and now Taraba have all faced the same problem,” Goni stated.
In response to the crisis, the NEDC has vowed to collaborate with state governments and other relevant authorities to find long-term solutions. Goni emphasized the need for a comprehensive approach to address the underlying issues, calling for all stakeholders to join forces in preventing future tragedies.
“We must sit down and look at the problem holistically to provide durable solutions for the future. This will be a collaborative effort with the state governments to bring relief to our people,” Goni declared.
