The ongoing construction of the Mile 4 Bridge in Bamenda has witnessed some progress this week, despite persistent rains. On Wednesday 16 April, while the skies poured generously over the city, Hilltopvoices captured striking images of the bridge’s structural frame now visibly taking shape, a clear sign that the multi-million francs urban development project is steadily progressing.
Positioned over the fast-flowing waters beneath, the bridge’s dark concrete retaining walls now stand firm, resisting the torrential rain and the mud-laden current. Heavy equipment, including excavators and compactors, remain stationed on-site, while taxis, bikes, and pedestrians continue to navigate the muddy area with cautious optimism. The photos taken under rainfall conditions revealed not just the bridge’s rising frame, but also the level of engagement by the construction company, Edge and the support of the local population who continue to traverse the muddy paths on either side.
For years, this area, especially around Below Foncha, has been notorious for flooding during the rainy season. Residents often found themselves stranded as water levels surged over the road, disrupting transport and increasing the risk of waterborne diseases.
One of the primary culprits behind these recurrent floods was the unchecked dumping of plastic waste and debris into the stream running below the bridge. These materials formed thick blockages that obstructed the natural flow of water, particularly near Below Foncha, causing the surrounding neighbourhoods to become virtual swamps after heavy downpours.
Recently, the Bamenda III Council, in what many have described as a proactive and people-focused move, cleared large volumes of plastic and waste from the Below Foncha area. That clean-up exercise, combined with the improved drainage potential that the new bridge structure offers, promises a drastic reduction in flooding.
The new bridge is expected to reduce the health risks associated with stagnant water and improper drainage. Stagnant floodwaters have long served as breeding grounds for mosquitoes, contributing to the spread of malaria and other insect-borne illnesses. By improving water flow and drainage, the Mile 4 Bridge project is not only enhancing transportation infrastructure but also playing a key role in public health and sanitation.
The improved waterway under the bridge will also restore parts of the wetland ecosystem, allowing aquatic life to flourish once again while also preventing soil erosion along the banks.
Local observers say the progress at the site, even under challenging weather conditions, is an indicator to the commitment of the contractors and city authorities.
“We are hopeful that once this bridge is completed, it will bring an end to the suffering we have endured for years each time it rains,” William Nsai, a commercial bike rider, struggling through the mud-laden detour beside the bridge said
Though challenges still lie ahead, especially with the weather and the topography of the area, the construction team appears undeterred.
By Bakah Derick
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