By Abdulkareem Haruna
Borno State Governor, Professor Zulum, has been commended for his decisive action in preventing a potential catastrophe at the border area between Niger and Nigeria.
His prompt order to salvage a collapsing major bridge connecting Malumfatori, a Nigerian border community, and Bosso, a village in Niger, has not only saved lives but also restored a crucial link for travelers.
Recall that The Humanitarian Times had reported last week, following a tip from obtained sources around the border area, that the bridge remained unattended and may give in should the rainy season set it with predicted cases of flooding.
Zulum’s special aid on new media, Ahmed Bundi gave a clarification in response to the trending story where he provided photo evidence of the bridge being restored. Kindly note that the Borno State Government has drafted a team of engineers and the rehabilitation of the bridge was completed,” he said.
“Due to heavy flooding last year, two of the bridge’s piers were partially damaged. During one of his trips to Malam-Fatori, Governor Zulum directed the repair of the bridge and work started in May 2023.
“Part of the measure was the construction of 5 new piers at different locations and the reinforcement of those affected by the flood and a speed controller was put in place in a likely event of a large volume of water being witnessed in future.”
Before the intervention, the deteriorating condition of the bridge had posed a significant threat to the safety and mobility of both Nigerians and Nigerien residents who relied on it for daily commuting and trade activities.
With the bridge in danger of collapsing completely, Governor Zulum wasted no time in issuing an immediate directive for its restoration, ensuring that the situation did not escalate into a messy ordeal.
The successful completion of the bridge restoration work has brought immense relief to the affected communities. Nigerians traveling to Malumfatori were previously unable to access the village through the usual interways, necessitating a detour through Bosso by crossing the bridge. This detour not only caused inconvenience but also disrupted normal economic activities.
The restoration efforts were carried out swiftly and efficiently, with the bridge now fully functional and safe for use. Governor Zulum’s swift response emphasized the importance of safeguarding critical infrastructure for the welfare and progress of the people.
Local residents have expressed their appreciation for Governor Zulum’s proactive approach and quick response, which averted a potential disaster.
The successful salvage of the collapsing bridge underscores the governor’s commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of the citizens of Borno State.
His decisive action serves as a testament to effective governance and proactive leadership, setting an example for others to follow in times of crisis.
The restored bridge will undoubtedly promote connectivity, boost economic activities, and foster stronger ties between the border communities of Nigeria and Niger.
The Humanitarian Times 