Gov’t to Construct New Bridge to Connect Padang, Bukittinggi in March 2019

By Office of Assistant to Deputy Cabinet Secretary for State Documents & Translation     Date 13 Desember 2018
Category: News
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The collapsed Batang Kalu Bridge. (Photo: IST)

The collapsed Batang Kalu Bridge. (Photo: IST)

President Joko ‘Jokowi’ Widodo expressed concern to the collapsed of the Batang Kalu Bridge KM 54, in Kayu Tanam, Padang Pariaman Regency, West Sumatra, because of overflowing water from Batang Ulakan River after heavy rains on Monday (10/12).

Through his Facebook account that was uploaded a few hours ago, President Jokowi said that the bridge which connecting Padang to Bukittinggi was so important because the road was a strategic route and one of veins of West Sumatra economy.

“This (bridge) is the tourism route to Bukittinggi, Batusangkar, Payakumbuh, and 50 Kota, also transportation routes to Riau Province and several other districts, as well as being a food distribution and logistics line,” President Jokowi wrote.

Therefore, the President continued, Ministry of Public Works and Public Housing immediately built a temporary bridge to reopen the route. “The steel frame bridge is being assembled along 36 meters and is targeted to be completed within this week,” he said.

If the temporary bridge is finished, President Jokowi ensures that the Government immediately prepares a permanent bridge design.

“After going through the tender process, hopefully the construction will begin in March 2019, and will be completed in September or October 2019,” the President concluded. (ES)

 

 

Translated by: Galuh Wicaksono
Edited by: Yuyu Mulyani

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