Main access bridge to West Kambia cut off by frustrated voters

The people of West Kambia in the Lower Nebilyer Local Level Government [LLG] area of Tambul-Nebilyer District, Western Highlands Province, are now completely cut off after their main cane bridge collapsed.

The footbridge, which served seven tribes Opeka Alga, Koupune, Huawei, Taru Marowa, Taru Nolge, Mokoi, and Taru Olateh, was destroyed shortly after polling ended in the LLG.

Located at a central point, the bridge also connected communities from Komoli in Imbongu, Southern Highlands, and Olateh in Jiwaka Province.

Local head teacher of Gomi Primary School and presiding officer during polling, David Aiye, told NBC News that the destruction of the bridge has severed a vital link for more than 4,000 people.

“The benefit this bridge offered to school children past and present, teachers, pastors, pregnant mothers, and patients over the decades have now come to an end because of frustrated voters,” Aiye said.

He confirmed that the bridge was destroyed by angry supporters of the sitting councillor, Ipi Uwe, after they discovered that many voters’ names were missing from the common roll.

“The frustrated voters stoned classrooms and attacked polling officials. Some injured supporters of the sitting councillor then went and cut off the bridge. I was the presiding officer and witnessed this,” he said.

Mr. Aiye said the incident will have a serious impact on daily life in the area.

“More than 4,000 people will be affected including students and staff of Gomi Primary School, Gomi Community Health Post, and several local churches serving the seven tribes,” he added.

He also expressed concern that West Kambia has long been neglected by government services and that this latest incident has made life even harder for residents.

With the bridge destroyed, villagers now face a seven-hour walk to reach the nearest bus stop, a journey that previously took only minutes via the cane bridge.