Mrs. Abiodun Essiet, the Senior Special Assistant on Community Engagement (North Central) to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, recently visited the Tukum community in Shendam Local Government Area of Plateau State to inspect the collapsed bridge connecting Shendam and Langtang North Local Government Areas. The collapse of the bridge has severely affected the movement of people, goods, and services between the two LGAs, causing significant disruptions in daily activities.

During her visit, Mrs. Essiet expressed the Federal Government’s concern over the situation, stating that the collapse of the bridge was not just an infrastructural failure but a threat to the socio-economic well-being of the residents. She emphasized that the bridge played a vital role in linking the two local governments and facilitating trade, agriculture, and other economic activities that sustain the livelihoods of the people.

She assured the residents that President Tinubu’s administration is prioritizing infrastructure repairs and development across the nation. “The Federal Government is aware of the hardship this collapse has caused,” she said. “Restoring this bridge is crucial for reconnecting Shendam and Langtang North and reviving the flow of goods and services. We are committed to addressing this issue promptly.”

In addition to the collapsed Shendam-Langtang bridge, Mrs. Essiet also inspected the Longvel bridge, which is located along Shendam Road and serves as a major route connecting Plateau State to Taraba State. She stressed the strategic importance of the Longvel bridge, noting that it is a lifeline for the people of Plateau and Taraba who rely on it for transportation, trade, and cross-border interactions. She expressed the government’s resolve to ensure that both bridges are fully rehabilitated.

“The Longvel bridge is critical not only for the people of Shendam but for the entire region, as it links Plateau with Taraba State. We understand that this bridge supports economic activities between the two states, and the Federal Government will ensure that repairs are carried out swiftly,” Mrs. Essiet stated during her visit to the site.

Mrs. Essiet further highlighted the importance of community engagement, urging the residents of both Shendam and Langtang North to remain patient and continue to collaborate with local authorities while the government works to address their concerns. She pointed out that infrastructure development is a key pillar of President Tinubu’s administration, and rural communities like Tukum would not be left behind in the government’s plans.

The Executive Chairman of Shendam LGA, Hon. Nicholas Nshe Kemi who was represented by His deputy, Hon. Kwan expressed his appreciation to Mrs. Essiet for her visit and the Federal Government’s attention to their plight. He explained how the collapse of the Shendam-Langtang bridge had isolated their communities, disrupting the transportation of farm produce and essential goods. They appealed for the swift commencement of repairs to prevent further losses.

In response to his concerns, Mrs. Essiet assured the community that the Federal Government would expedite the process of mobilizing resources for the repair of the bridges. She stated that engineers and construction teams would soon be deployed to the sites to begin the necessary work, and that the government was committed to finding long-term solutions for the community infrastructure challenges.

Furthermore, she emphasized that the Tinubu administration was dedicated to building resilient infrastructure that would stand the test of time. She mentioned that proper assessments would be carried out to ensure that the new structures are durable and capable of withstanding future challenges, adding that the safety and well-being of the people were of utmost importance to the government.