Restoring Aceh: Military Completes Emergency Bridge Construction in North Aceh
Banda Aceh (ANTARA) — Soldiers from Combat Engineer Battalion 5/Arati Bhaya Wighina (Yonzipur 5/ABW), deployed as part of the Natural Disaster Response Task Force, have completed the construction of a bailey (emergency) bridge in Kubu Village, Sawang District, North Aceh Regency.
The Iskandar Muda Military Command’s public information office stated in a release received in Banda Aceh on Tuesday that work is now at the preparation and technical feasibility testing stage to ensure the bridge is fully safe and fit for public use.
Although the bridge is physically nearly complete, the Natural Disaster Response Task Force does not wish to rush in declaring the project finished. “The remaining work now consists of preparation and technical feasibility testing,” the Iskandar Muda Military Command’s information office wrote.
The office stated that soldiers continue to demonstrate strong commitment and dedication in carrying out their humanitarian mission through the accelerated construction of bridges in areas affected by hydrometeorological disasters.
The bailey bridge construction represents a strategic step in restoring connectivity to areas previously cut off by natural disasters. The disruption had hampered residents’ mobility as well as the distribution of logistics and agricultural produce, thereby affecting the local community’s social and economic activities.
The Iskandar Muda Military Command’s information office stated that through hard work and a spirit of service, soldiers of Yonzipur 5/ABW have been intensively carrying out each stage of the project. The entire process has been conducted carefully and methodically, prioritising construction technical standards and safety factors.
The two final steps before the bridge becomes operational are load testing and deflection testing. Load testing aims to determine the bridge’s maximum capacity for bearing vehicle weight in accordance with its design specifications.
These stages form part of the quality control procedure. The tests serve as the primary indicator for ensuring construction quality and guaranteeing long-term safety for the residents of Kubu Village who will cross the bridge daily.
“This construction is a tangible manifestation of the Army’s presence among the people in helping to address the difficulties faced by citizens, particularly in disaster-affected areas,” the Iskandar Muda Military Command’s information office wrote.