WFP suspends operations in Guinea over broken bridge

Conakry- Guinea (PANA) -- The World Food Programme (WFP) has suspended operations in Guinea, following the collapse of a wooden bridge on the road linking Gueckedou to Macenta, southern Guinea, the UN agency confirmed here Friday in a press release.
When the bridge collapsed 27 June, a WFP truck transporting food meant for refugees dumped into the river and two of its occupants drowned, it said.
The truck was carrying supplies to the Kola camp hosting 6,700 refugees.
Food meant for 60,000 refugees in the forest part of Guinea transit over the same bridge, situated in Zabara village, 45km between Macenta and Gueckedou.
Late last February, a mission organised by WFP and comprising ambassadors and Guinean authorities recommended repair work the bridge whose collapse has cut the highway, leaving a convoy relief trucks and other commuter vehicles stranded.
Humanitarian operations, such as relocating refugees from the Kouankan camp to Albadariah, have also been suspended.
WFP sources say that the food stored at N'Zerekore was limited and there is need to stock their warehouses.