Residents of Yelwa community of Shendam Local Government Area of Plateau State are decrying the collapse of a bridge popularly known as Gadan Panyam in their community, saying the bridge had collapsed for over three years but nothing had been done about it.
The community said the collapse of the bridge had disrupted socio economic activities in the area with neighbouring villages.
They explained that apart from the impact on commercial activities, primary and nursery school students who used to cross the bridge no longer find it easy to get to school, especially during the rainy season. They said it was dangerous to cross due to the flowing water along the bridge.
Jamilu Kabiru, a resident of the community said “We have relied on bridges for many years. All our businesses through the bridge have been crippled. Transportation is no longer possible. It has been a difficult task for us.”
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Umar Wambai, another resident said “We have tried our best severally to put the bridge in order but could not do that. Students who pass through the bridge no longer find it easy. It has been a hectic situation.”
Abubakar Audu, also a resident said “The collapse of the bridge has disconnected transactions between us and other neighbouring villages. We are losing a lot of money now because there is no vehicular movement any more.
The residents, however, called on the local and state governments to reconstruct the bridge as it is the only link between Yelwa and other surrounding communities.
