Netizens have called for rebuilding a bridge that was destroyed two years ago by huge debris during a mudslide in Wen County, northwest China's Gansu province, so local children can use it to go to school instead of crossing the river using a cable, Voice of China reports.

Students in Wen County, Gansu province, use a cable to cross the Bailong River on their way to school. [Photo: voc.com.cn]

The local village in Wen County has 30 households with 143 people, and transportation has been very difficult. In 2008, villagers collected more than 300,000 yuan (US$47,000) to build a bridge over the Bailong River to ease the situation.

But the bridge was destroyed by debris during a mudslide in 2010 and has not been rebuilt because of a lack of funds. Currently, more than 20 students in the area must cross the river using a rope. Adults help young girls cross the river, as the only protective measure is a cable fastened to their waists.

"It's really dangerous, and my stomach turned after seeing the picture," one netizen said.

In addition, without convenient transportation infrastructure, local economy has deteriorated.

The municipal authorities of Wen County in Gansu province has responded by saying that although rebuilding the bridge would be a demanding task, they would try to do it in a timely manner.