There is a new addition to the landscape of Bocaranga town in the Ouham-Pende Prefecture in the north of the Central African Republic: a new metal bridge constructed by the
's (MINUSCA) Peruvian Engineering Contingent is improving accessibility and day-to-day life for the townspeople and the wider local population.
Donned with the UN, Central African Republic (CAR) and Peruvian flags, the over 15-meter-long metal bridge was opened to traffic on August 22, 2020, by the local community chief, with community members looking on –bringing an end to a host of transport challenges posed by the rickety bridge that was previously used.
For years, locals and travelers passing through the Gono locality were dogged by the degradation of the main access road and bridge leading to the area.
"There was a makeshift wooden bridge that was particularly precarious during the rainy season – it was the cause of many accidents, with people and vehicles sometimes falling into the water while trying to cross the bridge, at times resulting in fatalities," recounted local one resident, Mr. Vella.
Long detours were a painful reality for many –with children being forced to walk for an hour and a half to get to school, often starting their journey from home in the wee hours of the morning. Merchants transporting goods to and from the market suffered a similar fate. For their part, churchgoers were discouraged from visiting houses of worship as their clothes were muddied on the journey there.
The local community had previously tried to repair the old, dilapidated bridge to no avail, as more advanced engineering skills were required. At their request, an 80-member construction team from the
MINUSCA Peruvian contingent took on the task of building the new metal bridge.
Construction began at the end of May 2020 and included ground clearing of vegetation and bushes, improvement of abutments and footings, stonemasonry to extend the bridge supports, and reinforcement of the concrete foundations supporting the bridge.
Despite delays related to the coronavirus pandemic, work resumed in July under the supervision of
MINUSCA Unit 8 Deputy Chief Engineer Lieutenant-Colonel Muhammed Farooq Hayat. He explained that his team had sought a more permanent solution by also improving drainage and nearby connecting roads.
"The bridge serves as a national road axis, taking people and goods from Bangui and Berberati to the all-important market on the Cameroonian border. More than half of CAR's population could potentially benefit from the construction of the bridge," noted Gbanne Esaie at the Bocaranga Sub-Prefecture.
Beyond facilitating movement, day-to-day life has been boosted by better access to provisions –exorbitant salt and soap prices that had become all too common for the local population due to shortages caused by difficulties in transporting merchandise have become a thing of the past.
"Pedestrians and motorists alike will be able to use the bridge all year round. The benefit for the common man gives me the greatest satisfaction –children can now reach school in half an hour. Traders, the majority of whom are women, and farmers carrying big loads of produce to the market now cover the distance in less time," Lieutenant Colonel Hayat expressed.
"Our community has battled major transport problems for a long time due to lack of a proper bridge. The local population has breathed a sigh of relief thanks to the new bridge," said Gbanne Esaie.
The metal bridge —funded by MINUSCA to the tune of 8 million CFA— will also strengthen the capacity of the United Nations to quickly intervene and assist the population when needed. Moreover, road access is crucial to maintaining security.
Wamounzou Edwige, a teenage girl from the area, told
Peruvian peacekeepers that "the people in my village are grateful for the bridge."
Gono Village Chief Fidele Nzerekpi added that "the bridge has made our lives easier."
Editor's note: Based on a story published by the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA).
(END) NDP/MVB