Bengkulu City Government Allocates Rp5.2 Billion for Three Flood-Prone Bridges

The Bengkulu City Government in Bengkulu Province has allocated Rp5.2 billion from the 2026 regional budget (APBD) for the construction of three bridges in flood-prone areas. Head of the Bengkulu City Public Works and Spatial Planning (PUPR) Department, Noprisman, stated that the locations were identified as early as 2023 but were previously constrained by budget limitations. He confirmed that the project is now being realised this year. The bridge construction aims to facilitate resident mobility, enhance safety, and improve inter-regional connectivity, which is often disrupted during periods of high rainfall. The initiative is the result of collaboration between the Bengkulu City Government and the Bengkulu City Police, acting on concrete reports and aspirations gathered from the community through Bhabinkamtibmas officers. Police personnel validated the proposed locations to ensure the development was accurately targeted. All work contracts have been signed. The three bridges are located in the flood-prone areas of Pancur Mas, Betungan, and Muara Bangkahulu (Pematang Gubernur). The allocated budget varies per location: approximately Rp1.4 billion for the Betungan Bridge, Rp1.8 billion for the Pancur Mas Bridge, and Rp2 billion for the Pematang Gubernur Bridge. Noprisman explained that the differing allocations are due to construction methods that do not allow for phased concrete casting. The Public Works Department will implement a total road closure at the project sites during the construction period, with traffic diversions to be announced shortly. He appealed to residents for their understanding regarding the traffic management, noting that the concrete structures require an ideal curing period before they can safely support heavy vehicles. He emphasised that the temporary inconvenience is for the long-term public good.