The North East Development Commission, NEDC, has decried the incessant collapse of major bridges in the North East region.
The Managing Director of the Commission, Mohammed Alkali, spoke on Friday at Namnai, Gassol LGA of Taraba State while assessing the aftermath of the recent flood that washed away a major bridge connecting Taraba North to the South.
He attributed the phenomenon to the effects of climate change.
According to him, commuters along the route now use ferries to connect the other side of the washed-away bridge, at a cost of N5,000 per bus crossing.
Alkali noted that the North East region is the most affected by climate change and its components, which has put significant pressure on both the government and inhabitants of the region.
He, however, assured that the Commission is not deterred and would work with the respective state governments to find lasting solutions to the recurrent bridge collapse across the region.
“Flood washing away bridges was not the case ten to twenty years ago, but today climate change is a reality.
“Bridge collapsing in the North East is now endemic. I was in Adamawa state two weeks ago for the same problem.
“Bauchi has its own share, so is Gombe. Now we have also seen the same problem in Taraba where some bridges were washed away few days ago.
“Right now we have to sit down and look at the problem comprehensively and provide solutions that would be durable for the future.
“It will be a collaborative work with the state governments so our people can heave a sigh of relief,” he said.