Cracks develop in new Rp 1.4b bridge<\/p>\n
BEKASI (JP): Cracks have developed in the sides of a nearly-
\ncompleted bridge worth Rp 1.4 billion ($625,000), triggering
\nfears that it may collapse shortly after it goes into operation.<\/p>\n
Chief of the Bekasi public works office Bambang Supardi has
\nconfirmed reports on the defects but stressed that they are "not
\nserious because the Cipamingkis bridge is still under
\nconstruction."<\/p>\n
The bridge, which is in the Cibarusah district, is 90 meters
\nlong and seven meters wide and is being built to make nine
\nisolated villages accessible. The villages are known to have
\ntremendous potential in agriculture.<\/p>\n
Bambang said over the weekend he "forgot" the exact cost of
\nthe project and the name of its contractor. But reliable sources
\nsaid the local government has spent almost Rp 1.4 billion on it.<\/p>\n
Residents of Cibarusah, about 40 kilometers from the town, are
\nhopeful that the bridge will help improve their access to
\neducation. Currently, many children cannot continue their high
\nschool education because their parents cannot afford the
\ntransport fees to the town. Usually, residents go to the town by
\nojek (motorcycle taxi), and the fare is Rp 7,000.<\/p>\n
The poor transportation means have been blamed for Cibarusah's
\nbackward economy compared to other districts in Bekasi. Many
\nvillagers work in industries in other districts.<\/p>\n
When the bridge goes into operation, the local government will
\nbuild low-cost houses on 500 hectares of land in the vicinity.
\n(12\/pan)<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/cracks-develop-in-new-rp-14b-bridge-1447893297",
"image": ""
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"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
"sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com"
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