Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Mimi Mefo Info (Editor)
Published on 2024-02-17 13:24:55
The collapse of a vital bridge in Ndongo, a neighborhood in Buea, has left residents cut off from the rest of the city. The incident, which occurred on Saturday, February 17, has sparked anger among locals who blame reckless driving and poor-quality infrastructure for the catastrophic collapse.
The bridge, which connected Ndongo to Checkpoint in Buea, crumbled under the weight of a heavy-duty truck transporting sand into the neighborhood. Residents claim that the bridge was already in a dilapidated state and heavy-duty vehicles were restricted from using it. Despite warnings, the driver of the sand-laden truck attempted to cross the bridge, resulting in its collapse. Witnesses reported that the truck had previously caused cracks on the bridge during a prior passage.
Now, the people of Ndongo are faced with the challenge of crossing the river on foot, carrying items on their heads and hands to navigate the impassable route. The collapse of the bridge severed vital connectivity for Ndongo residents and also destroyed water supply pipes, worsening the challenges faced by the community. The collapse also led to stranded vehicles lining the driveway to Ndongo, causing chaos in the area.
The police have been to the scene to assess the extent of the damage, raising concerns about the poor maintenance of road infrastructures not only in Buea but across the country. Residents express frustration, emphasizing that a properly constructed bridge would not have succumbed to such a sudden collapse. Prior to the incident, residents had erected a rain gate to regulate access to the bridge, but influential individuals with ongoing construction projects in the area reportedly ignored the gate, contributing to the structural strain that led to the collapse.
Now, residents lament the removal of the rain gate, asserting that its presence could have prevented the passage of the sand truck. They are now looking to the Buea Council to take action and rebuild the bridge, although some are concerned that the reconstruction might be delayed because the Council has already planned its budget for 2024 and the Ndongo bridge might only be included in the 2025 budget.
The collapse of the bridge in Ndongo highlights the urgent need for proper maintenance and construction of infrastructures in the area and has left the residents facing difficulties in commuting and accessing essential services.
Read the original article(French) on Mimi Mefo Info
