By Muhammad Maitela, Damaturu
The North East Development Commission (NEDC) has expressed satisfaction with the progress of ongoing bridge reconstruction projects across Yobe State, with the major Jumbom Bridge linking Damaturu, the state capital, to the northern senatorial district now about 90 per cent complete.
The Yobe State Coordinator of the NEDC, Professor Ibrahim Ali Abbas, disclosed this during an inspection visit to the Jumbom construction site on Friday.
Abbas said the inspection followed a formal request by relevant authorities to assess the progress of rehabilitation and reconstruction efforts initiated after the devastating floods that damaged several bridges across the state last year.
He described the Jumbom Bridge as a critical two-span structure connecting Damaturu with Tarmuwa Local Government Area, adding that it serves as a major route to the eastern part of Yobe Central and the Yobe North Senatorial District.
“The progress is so far satisfactory. The contractor, Greerland, has assured the Commission that the Jumbom Bridge will be completed within the next one month,” he said.
On the Kaliari Bridge, another one-span structure along the same route, the NEDC coordinator acknowledged that work had started slowly but expressed optimism that the project would be accelerated.
“Although we are not satisfied with the pace of work, our visit today and management’s directives will help speed up implementation. Once the rainy season settles, the project will be fully completed, Insha Allah,” Abbas added.
The NEDC coordinator highlighted the importance of the projects, noting that the floods destroyed major road links and isolated about 10 local government areas from Damaturu.
The disruption affected the movement of agricultural produce, restricted human mobility, and limited access to advanced healthcare services.
“The completion of these bridges will restore connectivity, improve access to education, support businesses, and enhance the livelihoods of communities along this corridor,” Abbas said.
He further disclosed that the NEDC is currently executing 12 bridge projects across Yobe State. Besides the Jumbom and Kaliari bridges, the Commission recently completed the Katarko Bridge along the Gujba–Damaturu Road, which was delivered about four to five months ago.
