Flood Washes Dobi Bridge Away In Abuja

An improvised bridge linking residents of Dobi community in Gwagwalada Area Council of Abuja (FCT) and other communities in the area has been washed away by flood.

Residents of the community on Wednesday expressed concern over the development, as the bridge was the only link connecting them with other areas.

Mohammed Yusuf, a resident in the community, told newsmen on Wednesday in Dobi that the bridge was washed away by flood, following a downpour on May 5.

He said that residents of the community, who were mostly farmers, could no longer sell their produce at Gwagwalada market and appealed to the FCT administration to to come to their aid.

“We are now facing serious hardships as we cannot go to Gwagwalada town and people in Gwagwalada cannot come to Dobi.

“Infact, we are like prisoners here because we cannot go out and we don’t even have boats to cross to other areas.’’

Abubakar Jibrin-Grii, the Chairman of Gwagwalada Area Council, who visited the community, described the plight of the residents as “pathetic.”

He promised to convey the peoples’ message to the FCT minister to facilitate the completion of the main bridge that would link the community with others, which contract was awarded in 2012.

He said “I sympathise with the people because their situation is not pleasant. If you visit the area, you will know what I am talking about.

“I am appealing to the FCT minister to respond quickly to their plight.

“I have met with the Dantata Construction Company to see what we can do for now, but the main bridge project needs to be completed as soon as possible.”