What our reporter observed was once a vital gateway linking communities across Gashaka local government council of Taraba State, is now at the centre of growing fears, as severe erosion continues to threaten the stability of the Garbabi bridge.
The bridge which is a critical transport route relied upon daily by residents, farmers, traders, students, and healthcare workers, is presently facing increasing danger after heavy rainfall washed away a substantial section of its approach road.
The erosion has left parts of the roadway suspended, raising concerns that continued rainfall could trigger a collapse if urgent intervention is delayed.
The affected site revealed deep gully erosion extending toward the bridge embankment, while cracks and soil displacement have become more pronounced.
Community members who spoke with DAILY POST, said the damage has worsened with each rainfall, forcing motorists to navigate the area with extreme caution.
“We are afraid that the bridge may totally wash away any moment because of the persistent rainfall,” said a resident who identified himself as Abdullahi Sarti.
Citing the collapsed of Namnai bridge in Gassol local government council of the state in 2024, that has not been fixed at the time of filing this report, Sarti who did not want Garbabi bridge to be washed away like that of Namnai, called on the authorities concerned to as a matter of urgency come to their rescue.
For many residents who bared their minds to our reporter, the bridge is more than just infrastructure—it is a lifeline.
“This bridge is our only major route to nearby communities. If it collapses, many villages will be cut off from hospitals, markets, schools, and other essential services,” said Ndoti Halimat.
Like Sarti, Halimat, and other residents as well as connercial drivers, who spoke with DAILY POST, said allowing the bridge to be washed away by rain will no doubt be inimical not only to the people of the local government council, but to the state at large.
With no official warning signs in place, local residents have taken it upon themselves to protect road users by placing old vehicle tyres, tree branches, and makeshift flags along the damaged section to alert approaching motorists.
Despite these efforts, many fear that the temporary measures offer little protection against the growing risk.
Garbabi Bridge serves as an essential corridor for the movement of agricultural produce, commercial goods, and emergency services across parts of Gashaka local government council. A collapse could isolate several communities, disrupt local commerce, delay medical emergencies, and negatively affect school attendance.
A civil engineering expert, Samson Uba, warned that unchecked erosion around bridge foundations and embankments can gradually weaken structural stability.
He recommend immediate emergency stabilization, including embankment reconstruction, stone pitching, gabion installation, and improved drainage systems to redirect floodwater and prevent further soil loss.
As the rainy season intensifies, residents, including community leaders are appealing to the Taraba State Government, the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency, FERMA, and other relevant authorities to urgently assess the bridge and begin emergency repairs before the situation deteriorates further.
They argue that prompt intervention would not only protect lives and property but also preserve critical economic and social link for thousands of people who depend on the route everyday.
