Adolphe Lele Lafrique visited the scene of a deadly bridge that collapsed in Bamenda on Friday, March 27, claiming four lives after heavy rains.
The incident occurred around 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, March 26, at Mile 2 Nkwen in Bamenda III Subdivision. A provisional bridge erected by BUNS construction company to allow pedestrian movement during the reconstruction of the Mile 2 Bridge, a key link between the Nkwen-Bambili corridor and the bustling Mobil and Nkwen Market area. This explains the pressure on the makeshift bridge over the Sissia-Mulang stream, a waterway with a grim history of claiming lives during the rainy season.
Five survivors were rescued and conveyed to Nkwen Baptist Hospital, where they are reported to have received treatment. The Bamenda Army Rescue Unit, aided by local residents, conducted a search that spanned three days. The last of the four bodies recovered was that of Weleh Evaristus, found on Sunday.
Governor Lele Lafrique, upon surveying the site, instructed BUNS to immediately construct a replacement pedestrian bridge with maximum safety standards, a clear signal that accountability for this tragedy will extend to the contractor. He also called on the public to remain calm.
In a formal communiqué, the Senior Divisional Officer for Mezam, Simon Emile Mooh, on behalf of the President of the Republic, Paul Biya extended condolence message to families of the victims, while urging residents to closely follow meteorological forecasts and observe all safety measures around construction sites as the rainy season advances.
The collapse has left families in grief and a community shaken but with authorities, including the Regional Delegate for Public Works pledging accountability and urgent remediation, the pressure is now firmly on BUNS to deliver.
Jennyhans Nde
