The bailey bridge over the Mao River in Sarpang’s Chhuzom Gewog collapsed due to the use of old bridge panels. The 160-feet long bailey bridge, which is under construction, collapsed on the 3rd of this month. The bridge collapsed after workers left for home and there were no casualties during the incident. The bridge is expected to benefit the people of Galethang Chiwog in Chhuzom Gewog.
According to the district engineer, old panels were used temporarily till the bridge is reinforced with new double-deck panels. The double panels will increase the carrying capacity of the bridge.
The engineer added that the old panels could not withstand the weight of the bridge.
Meanwhile, the contractor who is executing the works refused to comment on the incident.
Works on the collapsed bridge will resume after procuring new bridge panels from India.
The people of Galethang are looking forward to reaping benefits from the bridge, once complete.
“Crossing such a huge river was a challenge for us. During monsoon season, we used to construct temporary bamboo bridges over the Mao River for our children to come to school. And we could not initiate commercial farming in our village, because we could not take our produce across the river,” said Dhan Badhur Rai from Galethang.
“The bridge would be of immense benefit to us. We could bring vegetables from other places and could be marketed easily. In the past, the river did not allow us to carry out such activities. There was no possibility once the summer season starts. In winter, we cross the river,” said Tula Ram Ghallay.
Once complete the bridge will have a carrying capacity of 40 metric tonnes. The construction of the bridge worth Nu 10 M started in April of last year.
Karma Wangdi, Sarpang
Edited by Sherub Dorji
