Hon Fobi Nchinda Simon
Press statement
Condolence message from Hon. Fobi Nchinda Simon, SDF Shadow Cabinet Minister for Urban Development and Housing and immediate past Member of Parliament for Bamenda–Bali
I have received with deep sorrow the news of the tragic loss of lives following the collapse of the temporary crossing at Mile 2 Nkwen. I extend my heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and my sincere sympathy to those who were injured and especially to the good people of Bamenda and Bali. This is a painful moment for our community, and my thoughts are with all who have been affected.
As an Architect and Engineer, I view this incident not only as a tragedy but also as a critical signal on the way temporary infrastructure is conceived, executed and managed, particularly within active urban corridors.
Temporary pedestrian crossings, especially in flood-prone environments, must be designed with full consideration of peak hydraulic loads, soil conditions, and the dynamic behaviour of stormwater during intense rainfall. The failure of such a structure suggests that either the design thresholds were exceeded or that risk mitigation measures on site were insufficient for the conditions experienced.
In rapidly urbanising settings like Bamenda, where construction works intersect with daily human movement, provisional structures are not secondary elements. They are lifelines and must be treated with the same rigour as permanent works. This includes adequate elevation above anticipated flood levels, structural reinforcement, proper anchorage, controlled access, and continuous monitoring, particularly during the rainy season.
Equally important is site management. In periods of heavy rainfall, there should be clear protocols to restrict access to vulnerable crossings, supported by visible warnings and, where necessary, physical barriers. Public awareness must go hand in hand with engineering safeguards, because risk is significantly heightened when infrastructure is under construction.
This incident calls for a thorough technical review and an honest appraisal of existing safety systems across similar projects in the city. Lessons must be drawn, not only to assign responsibility where necessary, but more importantly to strengthen standards, supervision and emergency preparedness moving forward.
In this moment of grief, I call on the community to remain united and supportive of the affected families. I also urge all stakeholders, including contractors, engineers and public authorities, to take decisive steps to ensure that safety is never compromised.
May the souls of the departed rest in peace, and may comfort and strength be granted to their families.
Hon. Fobi Nchinda Simon
SDF Shadow Cabinet Minister for Urban Development
Member of Parliament 8/9 legislature Cameroon
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