Residents of Romi village in Dawakin Tofa Local Government Area of Kano State have called for the reconstruction of a collapsed bridge linking the community to the local government headquarters, as well as the rehabilitation of the 6.7-kilometre road connecting them to the area.

The residents, who said they had endured years of hardship due to the deplorable condition of the infrastructure, also threatened to boycott the forthcoming elections if the bridge, which has remained unreconstructed for nearly three decades, is not rebuilt.

Our reporter, who recently visited the community, reports that the bridge linking Romi village with Dawakin Tofa Local Government headquarters was initially constructed through a self-help initiative and later completed by the local government council in 1995.

The road serves as a strategic link for residents of nearly 20 communities, including Kwa, Dungurawa, Bumburawa, Babbar Ruga and Cedi Babbar Ruga, among others.

However, commuters continue to face serious difficulties using the route, which terminates at Government Science Secondary School, Dawakin Tofa.

A community leader, Isa Adamu Abdullahi, said the bridge had not been reconstructed since it collapsed in 1996.

“As it is we heavily rely on motorcycle and bicycle to reach Dawakin Tofa town where all our critical needs like hospital, school and market as well as other social activities are there. You know how difficult it is to go there by bicycle,” Abdullahi said.

For Magaji Hussain, a commuter, the prolonged neglect has become unacceptable, saying he would not vote in the forthcoming elections unless the bridge is rebuilt.

” As you can see we are heading to Dawaki from Bambarawa.From Gangaren Dutse, Kwa to Romi, Malunfashi, Bamburawa,Katoge and Kashirmo- all are linked by this road. But honestly, we are facing difficulty on this road, especially whenever it rains. Once it is dark people, do not travel for fear of being robbed.

“We are not saying no to elections but this road is our vote. If it is fixed, we will vote and support polio vaccination as well as all government programmes,” Hussain said.

Another resident, Junaidi Danladi, said the poor condition of the road has also exposed commuters to attacks by motorcycle thieves, with some incidents allegedly resulting in loss of lives.

Despite the challenges, Ahmad Isa, the APC Secretary of Romi Ward, said residents remain hopeful that the bridge would eventually be reconstructed and the road rehabilitated.

He expressed optimism that the long-standing infrastructure problems affecting the community would be addressed. (Daily Trust)