Cracks develop in new Rp 1.4b bridge

Cracks develop in new Rp 1.4b bridge

BEKASI (JP): Cracks have developed in the sides of a nearly-
completed bridge worth Rp 1.4 billion ($625,000), triggering
fears that it may collapse shortly after it goes into operation.

Chief of the Bekasi public works office Bambang Supardi has
confirmed reports on the defects but stressed that they are "not
serious because the Cipamingkis bridge is still under
construction."

The bridge, which is in the Cibarusah district, is 90 meters
long and seven meters wide and is being built to make nine
isolated villages accessible. The villages are known to have
tremendous potential in agriculture.

Bambang said over the weekend he "forgot" the exact cost of
the project and the name of its contractor. But reliable sources
said the local government has spent almost Rp 1.4 billion on it.

Residents of Cibarusah, about 40 kilometers from the town, are
hopeful that the bridge will help improve their access to
education. Currently, many children cannot continue their high
school education because their parents cannot afford the
transport fees to the town. Usually, residents go to the town by
ojek (motorcycle taxi), and the fare is Rp 7,000.

The poor transportation means have been blamed for Cibarusah's
backward economy compared to other districts in Bekasi. Many
villagers work in industries in other districts.

When the bridge goes into operation, the local government will
build low-cost houses on 500 hectares of land in the vicinity.
(12/pan)