Shongo Hamma Residents Urge Gombe State Government to Repair Washed-Away Bridge

By our correspondent

Residents of Shongo Hamma in Tumfure, Akko Local Government Area, have expressed their deep concern over the collapse of the Alhaji Bilya Bridge, which was washed away by heavy rainfall on June 14, 2024. In separate complaints, community members have called on the Gombe State Government, led by Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, to urgently address the issue.

The bridge, which serves as a crucial link for the residents of Shongo Hamma and surrounding areas, was severely damaged during the recent downpour. The destruction of the bridge has disrupted daily activities, hindering transportation and access to essential services.

Malam Abubakar Yahaya, one of the affected residents, lamented the difficulties faced by the community since the bridge’s collapse. “The bridge was a vital connection for us, and its loss has made it incredibly challenging to carry out our daily activities. We appeal to the government to help us restore it as soon as possible,” he said.

Abbas Abdullahi echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the bridge’s importance for the local economy. “Many of us rely on this bridge for transporting goods and accessing markets. Its collapse has significantly impacted our livelihoods. We need urgent intervention from the government to rebuild the bridge and restore normalcy,” Abdullahi urged.

Another resident, Umar, highlighted the safety concerns posed by the collapsed bridge. “The current state of the bridge is dangerous, especially for children and the elderly who have to navigate the area. We fear for their safety and call on Governor Yahaya’s administration to prioritize the reconstruction of the bridge,” he stated.

The Alhaji Bilya Bridge’s collapse underscores the vulnerability of local infrastructure to extreme weather events, a concern that has been increasingly highlighted by environmental experts. The residents’ appeals reflect a broader need for improved infrastructure resilience and timely government intervention in the face of natural disasters.

In response to these complaints, the Gombe State Government is urged to take swift action to assess the damage and initiate reconstruction efforts. The restoration of the Alhaji Bilya Bridge is crucial not only for the immediate relief of the affected residents but also for the long-term economic stability and safety of the Shongo Hamma community.