PRR Task Force Ensures Maximum Durability for Wih Porak Bridge
Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Task Force for Accelerating Rehabilitation and Reconstruction (PRR) Post-Sumatra Disaster has ensured that the construction of a steel frame bridge spanning the Wih Porak River in Pintu Rime Gayo Subdistrict, Bener Meriah, Aceh, is proceeding according to schedule and will have maximum durability.
“We want to ensure that technically, the land preparation is thoroughly mature so that this 40-metre steel frame bridge will ultimately have maximum durability,” said the Head of the Aceh Regional Command Post for the Task Force for Accelerating Rehabilitation and Reconstruction (PRR) Post-Sumatra Disaster, Safrizal Zakaria Ali, in his statement in Jakarta on Wednesday.
Safrizal conveyed this during a dialogue with the supervisor from PT PP (Persero) Tbk during his review to check the progress of land preparation at the project site.
During his visit, Safrizal directly observed the land compaction process, which serves as the primary foundation before the steel frame installation.
This step is crucial given that the Wih Porak area has a history of hydrometeorological disaster vulnerability, including overflow floods that disrupted transportation access to Central Aceh in early April.
To maintain a smooth work rhythm, Safrizal provided specific instructions to the contractor to position workers close to the project site.
According to him, time efficiency and close on-site coordination are key to accelerating construction.
Regarding current community mobility, he assured that the temporary bridge using a container chain remains functional and safe to cross.
The PRR Aceh team has also prepared reserve containers around the site as a quick anticipatory measure in case of unforeseen obstacles.
In addition to Wih Porak, Safrizal also monitored the condition of the Bailey Umah Besi Bridge in Gajah Putih Subdistrict, which suffered structural damage due to excessive vehicle tonnage loads.
In response to this situation, Safrizal acted swiftly by coordinating with the Central Government for the delivery of Aramco materials.
These materials will be used to reinforce the temporary bridge being prepared, ensuring that when the Bailey bridge is dismantled for total repairs, the flow of logistics and public transportation will not be interrupted.
“Our commitment is to ensure that all vulnerable points along this route are addressed immediately with appropriate and swift technical solutions,” he stated.