The Adamawa State Government has ordered emergency measures to protect the Ngurore Bridge along the Numan Road from heavy rainfall and flooding, while highlighting the construction of the 13-span Shuwa Bridge in Madagali Local Government Area and other infrastructure in northern Adamawa.
The State Commissioner for Works and Energy Development, Mohammed Suleiman, gave the directive after inspecting the Ngurore Bridge with officials of the Federal Ministry of Works, the relevant comptroller and the Chairman of Yola South Local Government Area.
Suleiman said; “the measures were necessary to prevent the bridge from being cut off, while a more permanent intervention would be carried out during the dry season.”
Farming activities
He raised concerns over farming activities around the bridge, alleging that some residents had planted crops and expanded gardens in ways that diverted the natural flow of water and increased pressure on the structure.
The Commissioner urged residents and other stakeholders to cooperate with the government in protecting critical infrastructure and preventing further damage during the rainy season.
Speaking with journalists during a programme on “Promoting Good Governance” organised under the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, Suleiman said; “the administration of Governor Ahmadu Fintiri had prioritised infrastructure development across the state.”
He said the administration first completed inherited projects, settled outstanding payments and reviewed abandoned projects before embarking on new projects.
Suleiman said; “the government subsequently constructed two flyovers in Yola and converted generator-powered streetlights to solar-powered systems to reduce energy and maintenance costs.”
He said the first phase of the development projects covered all 21 local government areas, with particular attention to communities affected by insurgency.
The Commissioner cited the construction of the 13-span Shuwa Bridge in Madagali Local Government Area, alongside other bridges and 16 culverts that had been damaged or cut off by insurgency in northern Adamawa.
He said roads had also been constructed and rehabilitated in the affected communities, restoring access to farms, businesses and other economic activities.
