The House of Representatives has tasked the Federal Ministry of Works to immediately fix the washed-out bridge along the Gombe-Numan road, which is blocking commuters from traveling to other states in the North East Zone of the country.
This was a resolution of the lower legislative chamber following a motion of urgent public importance moved by Hon. Kwamoti Bitrus Lauri, representing Demsa/Numan/Lamurde Federal Constituency of Adamawa State.
The concerned lawmaker drew the attention of the chamber on Wednesday to the damages done to the bridges linking Gombe-Numan in Adamawa State as a result of the downpour.
Kwamoti said heavy rain led to flooding in parts of Adamawa State, which washed out a bridge in the Boshikiri Community along the Numan-Gombe Road on Thursday, September 19, 2024.
Commuters have been experiencing difficulties traveling the road along this axis for days, with adverse effects on socio-economic activities in the northeast sub-region.
This is compounded by the fact that the temporary route created for travelers has again collapsed as of Sunday, October 6, 2024.
He said: “Aware that not only has the collapsed bridge negatively impacted commercial activities along the road, but it has also resulted in significant losses for humans, animals, and goods, as well as trauma and stress.
“As a result of trucks transporting animals and perishable goods becoming stuck in the area, patients with emergency medical conditions run the risk of dying on the spot.”
The lawmaker further lamented the delay of the ongoing Numan-Gombe road construction, which he said has lingered for too long.
Following his prayers, the House mandated its Committee on Works to ensure the speedy reconstruction of the washed-out bridge and to address the cause of the delay in the completion of the Numan-Gombe road construction project for the safety of Nigerians and the economic prosperity of the northeast and the nation at large.
Reps task Works Ministry over stranded commuters on wash-out bridge linking Gombe, Adamawa, others