In brief
- On 1 June 2019, Somaliland Standard reported that rushing water and debris damaged a walking bridge in Burao, with parts of the foundation also affected.
- The same report said the bridge had recently been constructed and revamped by the local government and had been launched in April.
- The report does not establish the bridge's condition, repair or replacement after 1 June 2019.
On 1 June 2019, Somaliland Standard reported that a walking bridge in Burao had been damaged by rushing water and debris, describing the damage as severe. The report cited reports for the account and said the damage occurred on a Sunday. The extract does not give a date for that Sunday.
The same report places the bridge near Togder central Bank in Burao, crossing the main river of the township and linking the villages of the provincial capital. It says the bridge had recently been constructed and revamped by the local government and was launched in April of that year. Those claims are the publication's and are not confirmed elsewhere in the available record.
What the report described
Somaliland Standard reported that parts of the bridge foundation were also damaged in the rushing water. It said a poorly shot video indicated that the wall and handrails had been badly damaged. The publication also said there were reports that running water reached up to six meters high: that figure is presented as a claim by unspecified reports, not as a verified measurement.
Two other bridges were reported damaged in the aftermath of the floods. The report does not name them or describe their condition beyond that.
Regional authorities, including the Burao mayor flanked by chief regional police officers, toured the site to assess the extent of the damage, according to the report, which does not give a date for the visit. It also said police were reported to have blocked people from using the bridges for their safety.
On casualties, the report's line was: no casualties were reported as far as the floods were concerned. It gives no figure.
What is not established
No contractor, consultant, engineer or funder is named. No cost, budget or contract value is given for the construction or revamp. The local government body is not named, nor are the river, the villages, the mayor or the police officials. The April launch is reported as a launch, not as a confirmed completion date for all works.
The source also carries a YouTube link related to the bridge damage, recorded on the 2019-06-01 page. No later assessment, repair or replacement has been established.
Frequently asked questions
What damage did the Burao walking bridge sustain in the reported June 2019 floods?
Somaliland Standard reported on 1 June 2019 that rushing water and debris damaged the walking bridge, that parts of its foundation were damaged, and that a poorly shot video indicated the wall and handrails were badly damaged. The report cited reports for the account.
Who built and funded the bridge, and when was it completed?
The report said the bridge had recently been constructed and revamped by the local government and was launched in April of that year. No contractor, consultant or funder is named, and no cost or budget is stated.
Has the bridge been repaired or replaced since?
The available record does not establish what happened to the bridge after 1 June 2019. No repair, replacement or current condition assessment is documented.