Tegal Alur Residents Plan Self-Funded Bridge Reconstruction

Residents of Jalan Warung Pojok, Tegal Alur, Kalideres, West Jakarta, plan to rebuild their pedestrian bridge through community self-funding if the construction by the West Jakarta Water Resources Sub-Department is not continued by the end of September.

“The residents have agreed that if the work is not continued by the end of this month, we want to build an independent bridge again, just like before,” said local resident Irwansyah when met at the location on Monday.

The option for a self-funded bridge has been raised because the bridge promised to be built within two weeks since Tuesday (1/9) has not been completed after three weeks.

“But as we know, a bamboo bridge cannot last long, especially during floods; it will certainly collapse,” he said.

Irwasting stated that the bridge is a vital access point for residents to reach the market. However, since the old bridge built by the community was demolished, residents have been forced to take a detour to reach the market.

According to him, the walking time to the market can now take approximately 10 to 15 minutes.

“The residents’ hope is for this bridge access to be completed quickly because it is the closest access to the market and the cemetery. If the bridge is not yet finished, the bamboo bridge should not be demolished yet so that residents’ access does not become even more difficult,” he said.

Previously, the West Jakarta City Government prepared the construction of a temporary pedestrian bridge made of wide flange (WF) steel for the residents of RT02/RW02, Tegal Alur, Kalideres, West Jakarta.

The Mayor of West Jakarta, Iin Mutmainnah, stated that the construction of the temporary bridge was estimated to take approximately two weeks.

The bridge was being built as a connecting access for residents while the ongoing project work, which caused the previous bridge to be demolished, continues.

“Once this is agreed upon, the bridge will be built within two weeks. This means that the current bridge, which serves as a temporary alternative made of wood, will be demolished at the same time,” Iin said when confirmed in Jakarta on Tuesday (1/9).

According to Iin, residents actually still have access via two other bridges located to the right and left of the site where the previous bridge was demolished. However, the community still desires a bridge at that specific location as it is considered a faster route to connect residential areas.