Following excessive rains and local flooding, the bridge that connected the more over 3,000 people of Lokogoma district, particularly the Dogon Gada community, to Ring Road 2 in Abuja has collapsed.
The collapse has raised concerns about residents’ safety and mobility, as the bridge serves as a vital access route for commuters and residents.
According to locals, the bridge has collapsed before. They said previous incidents have resulted in deaths, particularly among people attempting to cross the flood-prone culvert.
The bridge’s low elevation makes it highly vulnerable to flooding during the rainy season. Fast-moving water frequently sweeps across the crossing and cuts off access to the community.
Floodwaters have swept through drainage channels and culverts in several estates near the bridge, putting residents’ lives and property at risk.
Residents are now demanding immediate action from the relevant authorities to rebuild the bridge and provide a lasting solution to the recurring floods. They said the flooding continues to endanger lives and disrupt transportation in the area.
Pengassan & Good Homes Bridge Collpase
Similarly, residents of Pengassan and Good Homes estates, both situated in the Lokogoma district of the city have also called on authorities following the collapse of their bridge.
According to a resident who shared video footage of the current state of the collapsed bridge, “what was once a functional bridge has deteriorated so badly that vehicles can no longer cross and even bikes are struggling to get through.”
The resident added that the situation has consequently cut off access, damaged property and is also putting residents at risk every time it rains.
Backstory…
The bridge collapse comes against the backdrop of a particularly difficult rainy season in Abuja, where repeated heavy downpours have overwhelmed roads, drainage systems and waterways across the Federal Capital Territory.
In August alone, flooding was reported in several parts of the capital, including Wuse 2, Gudu, Lokogoma, Lugbe, Nyanya, Gwarinpa, Asokoro, Maitama, Utako and Wuye. Roads were submerged, vehicles were stranded or swept into floodwaters, homes were inundated and movement was disrupted.
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