The Ministry of Public Works has expressed grave concerns regarding the recent collapse of the ITI Bridge, which had undergone extensive repairs by the Ministry’s Bridge Unit. The Ministry said while it is grateful that no lives were lost in the incident, it remains deeply troubled by this unfortunate development. Earlier in November, the ITI Bridge faced severe over-flooding and unusual vibrations, raising concerns about its structural integrity and prompting the Ministry to intervene. In response, the Bridge Unit promptly decommissioned the bridge and conducted repairs ahead of schedule. Damaged components were reportedly replaced, and the structure underwent a thorough inspection by the Ministry before being deemed fit for relaunch. As part of the Ministry’s commitment to public safety, Public Works said it convened a conference with community stakeholders, including representatives of the Joint Security, to ensure adherence to the bridge’s load capacity regulations. During the conference, the Ministry emphasized that the ITI Bridge could accommodate a maximum load of 25 tons. This includes the weight of a truck (typically 15 tons) and an additional 10 tons of cargo. The Joint Security led by Commander Eric Zor was tasked with enforcing these weight limits to safeguard the bridge against overloading. It is with great disappointment that the Ministry has noted the collapse of the bridge due to the passage of a load-bed carrying an excavator—an act that has flagrantly violated the established tonnage regulations. The Ministry said it also regrets to note that despite prior assurances from Commander Zor regarding the Joint Security’s vigilance, this incident occurred, undermining the Ministry’s preventive measures and resulting in the destruction of critical public infrastructure. Preliminary assessment shows that the Load-bed and Excavator weigh more than 50 tons, a weight that is twice the 25 tons limit. The Ministry has at the same time reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring the safety and durability of public infrastructure. It has also urged all stakeholders, especially regulatory bodies, to uphold their responsibilities in protecting national assets. Meanwhile, further investigations are said to be underway to determine circumstances surrounding this incident, assuring that appropriate actions will be taken to prevent a recurrence. Credit: Ministry of Public Works
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