The deadly collapse of a temporary pedestrian crossing at Mile 2 Nkwen is now driving calls for a fundamental overhaul of safety standards on urban construction sites, with Hon. Fobi Nchinda Simon urging authorities and contractors to treat provisional infrastructure as critical, life-saving installations.
Reacting to the incident that claimed several lives, the SDF Shadow Cabinet Minister for Urban Development and Housing and immediate past Member of Parliament for Bamenda–Bali described the tragedy as both a moment of grief and a technical wake-up call for the city.
“I have received with deep sorrow the news of the tragic loss of lives,” he stated, extending condolences to bereaved families and sympathy to the injured, as well as to the wider populations of Bamenda and Bali. “This is a painful moment for our community.”
But beyond the condolences, the architect and engineer offered a pointed professional assessment, framing the incident as evidence of systemic gaps in how temporary infrastructure is designed and managed in high-risk urban environments.
“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,” he said.
“The failure of such a structure suggests that either the design thresholds were exceeded or that risk mitigation measures on site were insufficient.” he added
His intervention shifts the focus from isolated blame to structural reform, arguing that in a rapidly expanding city like Bamenda, temporary installations are not auxiliary features but essential public infrastructure.
“Provisional structures are not secondary elements. They are lifelines and must be treated with the same rigour as permanent works,” he stressed, outlining key requirements including proper elevation above flood levels, structural reinforcement, firm anchorage and continuous monitoring, particularly during the rainy season.
The former lawmaker also highlighted operational lapses that often accompany engineering shortcomings. He called for stricter site management protocols, especially during adverse weather, including restricting access to vulnerable crossings and deploying clear warning systems.
“In periods of heavy rainfall, there should be clear protocols to restrict access… supported by visible warnings and, where necessary, physical barriers,” he noted, adding that public awareness must complement engineering safeguards to reduce exposure to risk.
The Mile 2 incident, which occurred amid intense rainfall, has exposed the fragile interface between ongoing infrastructure works and daily human movement in Bamenda’s busiest corridors. For Hon. Fobi Nchinda, the path forward lies in immediate corrective action anchored on technical review and institutional accountability.
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“This incident calls for a thorough technical review and an honest appraisal of existing safety systems across similar projects in the city,” he said. “Lessons must be drawn… to strengthen standards, supervision and emergency preparedness.”
His message aligns with growing concern among residents and authorities over safety compliance as the rainy season intensifies, often amplifying vulnerabilities in construction zones and drainage systems.
While calling for reforms, Hon. Fobi Nchinda also urged unity within the community, encouraging support for affected families and a collective commitment to preventing further loss of life.
“I call on the community to remain united and supportive… and urge all stakeholders to take decisive steps to ensure that safety is never compromised,” he said.
As Bamenda mourns, the tragedy at Mile 2 is fast becoming more than a moment of loss. It is a defining test of how urban development is managed in a city where growth, weather and human movement increasingly collide, and where the cost of oversight is now measured in lives.
By Ngelah Ethel for Hilltopvoices Web
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