The Jigawa State Government has commenced directing the repairs and reconstructions of bridges and culverts that had been destroyed by the recent flood disaster that cut-off hundreds of communities from parts of the world.
The Director, engineering Services, Jigawa Road Maintenance Agency, Mr. Yusif Abdullahi, who gave the indication said the agency had commenced repairs and reconstruction of the bridges and culverts to restore access to the Communities ravaged by the extensive floods.
Abdullahi explained that they have been working day and night to reclaim some roads/bridges to reconnect the affected communities with other parts of the world.
According to him, “thousands of people were trapped in communities that were cut- off as a result of collapse of bridge/culvert and other damages to roads in recent weeks”.
He listed some of the roads damaged by the flood disaster to include Dutse- Madobi; Gambarin; Kiyawa; Jahun; Gujungu; Karnaya; Gabarin; Chaichai; Ringim; Guru Kadara; Kiyawa; Birnin Kudu;
Gwaram; Basirika and Ringim- Gidan Lage among others.
Abdullah said some of the roads were already reclaimed through temporary measures like renovation while work was ongoing in some places to provide alternatives that can allow people access to other communities.
Challenge
According to him, the major challenge they are facing currently was how to access the damaged sites as the floods have continued to wreck more havoc in the affected areas.
He called on the people of the state to continue cooperating with the government as it was doing its best to minimize the difficulties they are facing on account of the floods and its attendant effect of road collapse across the state.
Committee of Engineers
Earlier the permanent secretary in the ministry, Mr. Datti Ahmed announced that the state Government has constituted a ten member committee of engineers to ascertain the level of damages caused by the floods to prevent future occurrence.
Ahmed indicated that the State Governor, Badaru Abubakar has approved the establishment of the committee with the aim of finding lasting solution to flood disaster in the state.
According to him, nine roads have been damaged by the flood disaster in the state.
Confidence Okwuch
