IMMINENT BRIDGE FAILURES IN SOUTHERN PLATEAU PROMPT GOVERNMENT WARNING
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By: Fasasi Hammad
The Plateau State Government has sounded the alarm over the deteriorating condition of five key Federal Government bridges in the southern senatorial district, warning that they are on the verge of collapse and urgently require emergency intervention.
The warning followed an inspection tour of the affected structures led by the Commissioner for Works, Hon. Joshua Ubandoma Laven, alongside senior state officials on Thursday.
The bridges identified include Longvel Bridge along the Shendam–Yelwa Ibi Road in Shendam LGA; Kufai Yelwa Bridge on the Yelwa–Garkawa Road in Shendam LGA; Bakwai Bridge along the Langtang–Zamko–Garkawa Road in Langtang North LGA; the Bailey bridges on Langtang–Wase Road in Langtang North LGA; Jarmai Bridge on Dengi–Bashar Road in Kanam LGA; and Bauchi Road Bridge in Jos North LGA.
During the inspection, Hon. Laven detailed that Longvel Bridge, built several decades ago, has suffered severe structural damage from repeated flooding over the years. A 2012 flood had undermined the bridge’s foundation and approach, prompting the Federal Government to install a relief culvert. However, subsequent floods between 2014 and 2018 further weakened the structure, causing the retaining wall and approach embankment to fail.
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He added that floodwaters also damaged a second relief box culvert, resulting in subsidence at the bridge approach. The bridge piles are now exposed, and sand excavation downstream has deepened the riverbed, further compromising structural stability.
“The bridge has outlived its serviceable age. The only viable solution is complete demolition and reconstruction to ensure safe connectivity,” Laven stated. He emphasized that Longvel Bridge serves as a strategic link between Plateau State and neighboring states, warning that its collapse would disrupt interstate movement and economic activity.
The Commissioner further disclosed that Kufai Yelwa Bridge and the Langtang–Wase Bailey bridges have already collapsed, while the other bridges remain in critical condition. He described the situation as an emergency, noting that all affected structures are Federal Government projects.
“With the rainy season approaching, the risk of further deterioration is high. Immediate federal intervention is crucial to prevent catastrophic disruption,” Laven stressed. He called on the Federal Government to deploy emergency teams and release funds for urgent rehabilitation.
Hon. Joyce Lohya Ramnap, Commissioner for Information and Communication, highlighted the economic significance of the bridges, particularly Longvel Bridge, which links the North-Central region to the South-East and North-East. She noted that southern Plateau is a key food-producing hub, and the collapse of these bridges could disrupt agricultural supply chains, isolate communities, and threaten regional commerce and food security.
The Plateau State Government has already invested in road construction in rural communities to enhance economic activities and security. However, officials stressed that the scale of the challenge on federal infrastructure exceeds state capacity, reinforcing the urgent need for prompt federal action.
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