Communities in Karim Lamido in Taraba State have been cut off following the collapse of a bridge that links them with the rest of the state.
The Balaifi Bridge, that links the community to Adamawa State and Jalingo, collapsed last month as a result of heavy flooding.
The spokesperson for the community, Mallam Abubakar Tanimu told North East that since the collapse of the bridge, commercial and social activities in the area were seriously affected.
He said although an alternative passage was created there is the need to reconstruct the bridge to enhance free traffic movement into the area.
He said a journey to Jalingo, the state capital through River Benue, which usually lasts one-and-a-half hours now lasts nine hours.
Abubakar Tanimu further stated that the area shares common boundary with Bauchi, Gombe and Plateau States and surrounded by River Benue, which makes journey in and out very difficult in all seasons.
He said following the collapse of the bridge, the cost of goods and services has gone up.
He said, however, the community, businessmen and Karim-Lamido Local Government Council have made efforts and provided an alternative route but stressed the need to reconstruct the bridge.
He called on the state government and the North East Development Commission to assist by reconstructing the collapsed bridge.
The Chairman of Karim- Lamido Local Government Council, Mr Markus Hamidu told North-East Trust that the road belongs to federal government.
He said, however, after the collapse of the bridge, communities including businessmen and the council joined hands and provided a route, which vehicles and people are passing through.
He said the bridge is very important to the economy of the area and the state.
Mr. Hamidu said he has written to the Ministry of Works and was confident that something will be done urgently by the state government.
He also appealed to the North East Development Commission to assist by reconstructing the bridge as well as culverts along the road that also collapsed.
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