Residents of Mattaoua Eissa village in Beheira Governorate have issued an urgent appeal over the situation facing hundreds of students who reportedly have to cross an elevated water pipe to reach Abdel Wahid Eissa Al-Azhari Primary Institute in Damanhour.
The situation follows the suspension of a project to rebuild the bridge connecting Mattaoua Eissa with the neighboring village of Hamoudin.
Residents are calling on the relevant authorities to inspect the site and address the problem to provide a safer route for students.
More Than 600 Students Attend the Institute
According to residents, the institute has more than 600 students, including more than 300 children who reportedly cross the elevated pipe every day to reach their classes.
The families said the current route raises concerns about the possibility of children falling while attempting to cross the pipe.
They called for an urgent field inspection and a solution to the problem, warning about the risks associated with the continued use of the current route.
Bridge Reconstruction Project Remains Incomplete
Mohamed Ibrahim, a resident of the village, said the bridge had served as a major connection between Mattaoua Eissa and Hamoudin.
He said representatives associated with one of the candidates visited the area before the parliamentary elections and announced a plan to rebuild the bridge.
According to his account, initial site-cleaning work began, but after the election process ended, the wooden structures were dismantled and the work stopped without the project being completed.
Residents Call for Urgent Action
Residents are calling for an immediate inspection of the stalled bridge project and clarification of the reasons behind the suspension of the work.
They are also requesting a safe temporary route for students until the bridge reconstruction is completed.
The residents said their main demand is to end the daily risks facing children who currently have to use the elevated water pipe to reach the educational institute.
Why are students crossing the water pipe?
Residents say students are using the pipe because the bridge connecting Mattaoua Eissa and Hamoudin has not been rebuilt.
How many students attend the institute?
According to residents, more than 600 students attend the institute, including more than 300 children.
What happened to the bridge reconstruction project?
A resident said initial site-cleaning work began, but the project later stopped and the wooden structures were dismantled, according to his account.
What are residents asking for?
They are asking the relevant authorities to inspect the site, address the stalled bridge project and provide a safe route for students.
What risk do the children face?
Residents say children face a risk of falling while crossing the elevated water pipe on their daily journey to the institute.
