Kabakuli Bridge Collapse Raises Fears of Isolation for Butembo Neighborhoods

A bridge that served as a key detour in Butembo has collapsed, leaving traffic heavily disrupted and raising fears that several neighborhoods could become cut off. The Kabakuli Bridge linked the eastern part of the North Kivu city with the center.

The structure gave way as a heavy truck crossed it, according to available information. Until it is rehabilitated, drivers and motorcycle users must take alternative routes. The collapse comes while asphalt work is already under way on Nyamwisi Boulevard, between Rughenda airfield and the city center.

That work had made the Kabakuli crossing particularly important. “This bridge was the only route that allowed vehicles and motorcycles to cross toward the peripheral neighborhoods, particularly Rughenda,” said Frank Boxfish'angi, president of the Butembo Youth Parliament.

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This bridge was the only route that allowed vehicles and motorcycles to cross toward the peripheral neighborhoods, particularly Rughenda.

He said users must now pass through Londo, a detour that becomes difficult during heavy rain. “When there is heavy rain, Londo is often flooded. If that happens, we do not know where the population will pass,” he warned.

The Butembo Youth Parliament said the collapse could further hinder residents’ mobility and economic activity in several neighborhoods. It called on local and provincial authorities to begin rehabilitation work quickly and restore traffic while construction on Nyamwisi Boulevard continues.

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When there is heavy rain, Londo is often flooded. If that happens, we do not know where the population will pass.