Epulu bridge collapse.wmv

The Okapi Wildlife Reserve in the DR Congo is bisected by RN4 (Route Nacional 4), the main road from the central part of the country to East Africa and the south. For the GIC Okapi Conservation Project, it is both a blessing and a curse. As a lifeline for supplies and travel in and around the Reserve, RN4 serves Project headquarters and staff located in Epulu. The same road is a conduit, bringing people from overpopulated eastern Congo who would settle in the pristine Ituri Forest, while funneling natural resources like gold, diamonds, bush meat and timber to fast growing markets in the east.

In November, the RN4 bridge spanning the Epulu River collapsed under the weight of a truck and trailer overloaded with timber headed for East Africa. In addition to cutting the lifeline to the Project headquarters in Epulu, the loss of the bridge completely shut down traffic on the road. With no alternative routes available, all vehicles and travelers along the road were now stopped in Epulu, creating chaos and placing incredible burdens on local resources.

Category:

Nonprofits & Activism

Tags:

• epulu
• white oak
• gilman
• RN$