Plateau govt raises alarm over imminent collapse of 5 bridges in Southern Senatorial District

By Golok Nanmwa, Jos

The Plateau State Government has raised serious concerns over the deteriorating condition of five major Federal Government bridges located in the southern part of the state.

They also warned that the bridges are on the brink of collapse and require urgent emergency intervention.

The alarm was raised during an inspection tour of the affected bridges led by the Commissioner for Works, Hon. Joshua Ubandoma Laven, alongside other top government officials yesterday.

Our correspondent reports that the bridges identified include the Longvel Bridge along the Shendam -Yelwa Ibi Road in Shendam Local Government Area; Kufai Yelwa Bridge on the Yelwa–Garkawa Road in Shendam LGA, Bakwai Bridge along the Langtang–Zamko–Garkawa Road in Langtang North LGA

Others are the Bailey bridges along the Langtang–Wase Road in Langtang North LGA, the Jarmai Bridge along the Dengi–Bashar Road in Kanam LGA; and the Bauchi Road Bridge in Jos North LGA.

Speaking during the inspection, Hon Laven explained that the Longvel Bridge, constructed several decades ago, has suffered extensive structural damage due to repeated flooding over the years.

He recalled that in 2012, severe flooding undermined the bridge’s foundation and approach, prompting the Federal Government to construct a relief culvert to address the damage.

He added that however, subsequent floods between 2014 and 2018 further weakened the structure, leading to the failure of the retaining wall and approach embankment.

According to him, floodwaters also undermined the foundation of a second relief box culvert, causing it to sink and resulting in noticeable subsidence at the bridge approach.

He added that the bridge piles are now exposed, while sand excavation activities downstream have deepened the riverbed, worsening the structural instability.

“The bridge has outlived its serviceable age and the best solution is complete demolition and reconstruction to guarantee safe connectivity,” he said.

Ubandoma also said that the Longvel Bridge is a strategic route linking Plateau State with Nasarawa, Taraba, and other neighboring states, warning that it’s collapse would severely disrupt interstate movement and economic activities.

The Commissioner disclosed that the Kufai Yelwa Bridge and the Langtang-Wase Bailey bridges have already collapsed, while others remain in critical condition.

He described the situation as an emergency, noting that all the affected bridges are Federal Government projects.

“As you can see, we are faced with an emergency in Plateau.

About five bridges require urgent intervention. If any of these bridges collapse, commuters will be completely cut off, and several local government areas will lose access,” he said.

Laven further warned that with the rainy season approaching, the situation could worsen if immediate action is not taken.

He called on the Federal Government to deploy an emergency response team and provide funds for urgent rehabilitation before the rains intensify between March and April.

While noting that the state government has intervened in some federal infrastructure within Jos metropolis, including areas around Maraban Jama’a, UTC Junction, and Bauchi Road, he stressed that the current burden is overwhelming.

“This is beyond the capacity of the state government. “

“We are appealing to the Federal Government to act swiftly to rescue the people of southern Plateau and other Nigerians who rely on these routes,” he added.

Also speaking during the inspection, the Commissioner for Information and Communication, Hon. Joyce Lohya Ramnap, underscored the economic importance of the affected bridges.

She described the Longvel Bridge as a critical link connecting the North Central region to the South-East and North-East zones of the country.

“Southern Plateau is the food-producing hub of the state. “

“Large quantities of agricultural produce are transported from here to other parts of Nigeria, If this bridge fails, food supply chains will be disrupted, and the movement of goods will be jeopardized,” she said.

Ramnap warned that any further deterioration could isolate several communities and local government areas, with serious implications for commerce, food security, and regional connectivity.

She called for urgent federal attention, noting that early signs of rainfall have already begun, making swift intervention imperative.

It could be recalled that the Plateau state government has embarked on the
Construction of roads in rural communities to boost economic activities and enhance security in the past few days.

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