BY JUNELYN KELLY
Urgent repair works for the Tanaeba (Kohi) Bridge and multi-cell culverts on Northwest Guadalcanal Road is set to commence this week.
A statement from the Ministry of Infrastructure Development (MID) on Monday, January 2, said these works are treated as an emergency in response to recent flooding that has impacted the bridge, people, schools and small businesses.
“These works are treated as an emergency in response to recent flooding that inundated the approach roads on both ends of the bridge, disrupting transportation and connectivity for farmers, small businesses, schools and students, and general road users on this sealed road section,” said MID.
The statement said MID’s Transport Infrastructure Management Services Division (TIMSD) with Guadalcanal Provincial Disaster Operations Committee (P-DOC) have carried out an initial assessment and damage scoping following last week’s persistent heavy rain and winds, which have also affected other parts of the country.
MID said now that the flood level has receded, a contractor will be mobilized soon to the site to carry out emergency repair works with the aim to reconnect the bridge.
The ministry said this reinstatement works will also address cell culverts identified during inspection as compromised by floodwaters, which pose long-term safety risks to road users.
“These urgent interventions are part of the government’s response to ensure the safety and resilience of infrastructure critical to the Guadalcanal Provinces’ development and disaster response mechanism,” said MID.
Photo: MID
For feedback, contact: [email protected]
Editor: [email protected]
.
