Kebbi commences repairs on bridge linking Niger Republic 

Emergency measures have been deployed by the Kebbi state government to effect repairs on an important bridge which collapsed at Makera, near Birnin Kebbi, linking the state with the Republic of Niger, as a result of heavy downpour.

The ever busy road is now closed to vehicular movement to forestall preventable consequences to humans and goods.

The Kebbi state deputy governor, Sen. Umar Abubakar Tafida, on the mandate of Governor Nasir Idris, directed the Commissioner for Works, Hon. Abdullahi Umar Muslim, to carry out an instantaneous assessment and recommendation for immediate action by government to reconstruct the bridge.

During an inspection visit to the scene, the deputy governor ordered the chairman of Birnin Kebbi local government, Hon. Muhammad Abubakar Nayaya Ambursa, to fully block access across the collapsed bridge to safeguard lives and property.

“I am here on the mandate of Governor Idris to sympathise with the communities and commuters traversing the Birnin Kebbi – Makera road connecting Kangiwa, linking Niger Republic.

“This road is also commercial outlet for economic activities and movement of farm products among several local government areas. The governor has given us mandate to commence action to rebuild the collapsed bridge to restore vehicular traffic to various destinations.

“We are appealing to the public for cooperation to facilitate smooth repairs of the bridge, the government has further authorised relevant agencies and local governments to evacuate residents of towns and villages affected by flood to safer places.

“They should be resettled in school buildings pending provision of permanent abode,” the deputy governor directed.

Sen. Tafida who is the chairman of the State Safety Management Committee on impending flood, set up by the governor, also visited Kamfanin Sami in Argungu local government where flood sacked the entire community and cut off the ever busy Argungu – Sokoto Highway, forcing commuters to detour to longer route passing through Gwandu town and Shagari.