BY HASSANA SULEIMAN CIROMA, NOVEMBER 08, 2024 | 04:22 PM

Maiduguri, the capital city of Borno State, Nigeria, has faced its fair share of challenges in recent years. From the devastating impact of the Boko Haram insurgency to the relentless struggle against poverty and infrastructure decay, the city's resilience has been tested time and again.

However, the September 10 floods that ravaged the city brought a new wave of destruction, catching residents off guard and leaving a trail of devastation in its wake.

The floods, described as the worst in over 30 years, were triggered by the overflow of the Alau Dam, which sent a massive amount of water coursing through the city's streets.

Roads, bridges, and homes were destroyed, leaving thousands displaced and vulnerable.

Amidst the chaos, one critical infrastructure stood out - Fori Bridge, a vital artery connecting thousands of residents to essential services and opportunities.

While Fori Bridge miraculously remained intact, the two roads linking it were severely damaged. This disruption has brought immense challenges to residents, particularly students and staff of the University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID).

A vital link disrupted

Fori Bridge, built during Sen. Kashim Shettima's tenure as governor, had streamlined commutes for residents of various neighborhood areas, including Fori, Galtimari, Giwa Barracks, Polo, Jiddari, and Old GRA.

The bridge provided easy access to key destinations such as the University of Maiduguri, Bama Road, University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, (UMTH) local markets, and business districts. As a result, the bridge had become a lifeline for residents, facilitating daily commutes, economic activities, access to healthcare, and social interactions.

The bridge's connectivity had also stimulated economic growth, promoted social cohesion, and enhanced the overall quality of life for residents.

By connecting residents to essential services and opportunities, Fori Bridge played a critical role in the city's social and economic fabric.

Residents share their struggles

The damaged roads have forced many residents to take longer routes, significantly increasing travel time and costs.

In an interview with this reporter, Hassan Jibril, a UNIMAID student explained how difficult it is to cross the bridge, especially for older people and children.

'With the roads destroyed, older residents and young children struggle to reach their destinations. Transportation costs have skyrocketed, making life even harder,' he said.

Istifanus Bwala, another resident, echoed the sentiments, urging the government to expedite repairs.

'Getting to work has become a huge problem. We need the roads fixed to restore normalcy,' he said.

Anna, a university student, highlighted the impact on education.

'The damaged roads often make us late for school, and I've seen parents struggling to cross with their children,' she said.

Another passerby, Suleiman Gettado, shared his concerns about the impact of the road.

'The situation is especially hard for students who depend on public transport to get to school, and for workers who now have to add extra hours to their travel time,' he explained.

Economic impact

The disruption has severely affected economic activities along the road. Small businesses relying on daily traffic flow are struggling to survive due to reduced customer footfall, resulting in significant losses for shops and markets.

Transportation costs have increased, affecting the prices of goods and services. The local agriculture sector has been impacted, with farmers struggling to transport produce to markets.

Additionally, the construction industry has been affected, with delayed projects and increased costs.

Government response

In response to the devastation, the Borno State government approved N10 billion for the ministry of works to commence rehabilitation efforts.

While work has begun in some parts of the city, residents eagerly await the restoration of the roads linking Fori Bridge.

A call to action

As the community awaits repairs, residents continue to face difficulties.

The government's prompt response is crucial to restoring normalcy and reviving economic activities.

The rehabilitation of the roads linking Fori Bridge will reconnect lives and livelihoods, ensuring that this vital artery continues to serve the community.