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)