Residents of Zagah village and frequent users of the Bali–Takum road in Taraba state have issued an urgent appeal to the Taraba state government, the Federal Ministry of Works, the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency, FERMA, and other relevant authorities to immediately intervene in the worsening condition of a severely eroded section of the highway.
According to the concerned residents, the affected portion of the road, located at Zagah village near Suntai in Bali local government council, has deteriorated significantly over the past two years due to persistent erosion.
They clarified that the problem is not a collapsed bridge but a major section of the road that has been washed away by erosion, leaving the remaining part dangerously close to total collapse.
The Bali–Takum road, as observed by DAILY POST, serves as a critical transportation corridor linking Bali, Takum, Kurmi, Donga, Ussa, Wukari local government councils, as well as Yantu Special Development Area.
Speaking with DAILY POST, Biliasu Hassan said thousands of commuters, traders, farmers, students, and commercial transport operators rely on the road daily for economic and social activities.
“Everyday, thousands of commuters, traders, farmers, students and commercial transport operators depend on this road for their economic and social activities. If it fails, the impact on the affected communities will be enormous,” he said.
Residents and motorists who also spoke to our reporter warned that unless urgent intervention is carried out, the road could become completely impassable, isolating communities and disrupting the movement of people and goods.
They noted that such a development would mirror the severe disruption experienced following the collapse of the Namnai road in Gassol local government council.
Saminu Usman appealed to the authorities to act before the situation deteriorates further.
“Our prayer is for the authorities concerned to act quickly by repairing the damaged section before it is completely washed away by erosion,” he said.
Describing their appeal as a preventive measure rather than a reaction to tragedy, the residents stressed that they are calling on the authorities to act before lives are lost or the situation escalates into a major disaster.
They urged the government to immediately conduct a technical inspection of the damaged section at Zagah Village, implement emergency measures to halt further erosion, reconstruct and permanently reinforce the affected portion of the road, and ensure the safety of motorists and residents who depend on the highway.
An engineer who identified himself simply as Vincent also called for a permanent engineering solution to the problem.
“The affected section should be reconstructed and permanently reinforced to prevent future erosion and guarantee the safety of motorists and residents using this important road,” he said.
Monday Sanda, who said he has been plying the Bali–Takum road for the past 17 years, lamented the danger posed by the damaged section.
“Because of the bad condition of this portion of the road, driving at night has become a nightmare for most of us who regularly use this route,” Sanda said.
The residents maintained that timely intervention would not only save lives but also protect livelihoods, preserve economic activities, and significantly reduce the cost of emergency reconstruction in the future.