The North East Development Commission (NEDC) has declared the collapse of major bridges in the North East region as endemic.
Managing Director of the Commission, Mohammed Alkali, attributed this phenomenon to the effects of climate change.
Alkali made the statement on Friday at Namnai, Gassol local government area of Taraba state while assessing the aftermath of the recent flood that washed away a major bridge connecting Taraba North to the South.
Media reports have it that commuters along the route now use ferries to connect the other side of the washed-away bridge, at a cost of N5000 per bus crossing.
The commission’s boss, who noted that the North-east region was the most affected by climate change and its components, which has put significant pressure on both the government and inhabitants of the region, assured that the commission would work with the respective state governments to find lasting solutions.
“Flood washing away bridges was not the case 10 to 20 years ago, but today climate change is a reality.
“Bridge collapsing in the North East is now endemic. I was in Adamawa state two weeks ago for the same problem.
“Bauchi has its own share, so is Gombe. Now we have also seen the same problem in Taraba where some bridges were washed away few days ago.
“We have to sit down and look at the problem comprehensively and provide solutions that would be durable for the future. It will be a collaborative work with the state governments so our people can heave a sigh of relief,” he assured.
