BY JOHN HOUANIHAU
The Ministry of Infrastructure Development (MID) confirms that emergency repair works are set to begin this weekend on the flood-damaged Kohi Bridge and its adjoining multi-cell culvert causeway.
Guadalcanal Province media said the emergency works are considered critical to restore safe and reliable access for communities in Northwest and West Guadalcanal.
According to a statement released this week through Guadalcanal Province (GP) media, the western approach to the bridge has been severely damaged after recent heavy rains washed away the embankment, leaving the pavement unsupported and making access unsafe.
A project update report prepared by MID’s Civil Engineering Team according to GP media revealed that the approach embankment was completely destroyed by floodwaters.
“The approach embankment has been completely washed out, resulting in loss of pavement support and safe access to the bridge,” the report stated.
GP media said that villagers have been forced to use temporary pedestrian crossings with vehicle access cut off.
The nearby multi-cell culvert causeway also sustained significant damage during the flooding.
Debris, logs and vegetation clogged the culvert inlets and outlets, disrupting normal water flow and causing overtopping and severe erosion around the structure’s foundation.
“High flood flows caused by debris, logs and sediment accumulation contributed to overtopping and scour,” the engineering report said, stressing the urgent need for stabilization works.
The statement said that engineering designs for the emergency relief project have already been completed.
It further adds that the works will focus on restoring hydraulic flow, rebuilding the embankment, protecting against scour, and implementing temporary stabilization measures.
Planned activities include; clearing debris, diverting water flows, installing gabions and sandbags, backfilling eroded sections and carrying out erosion control measures.
GP media said the procurement processes are now underway, with contractors invited to submit quotations based on the verified Bill of Quantities. Documentation will be submitted to the Procurement Unit for approval, allowing construction to begin as early as this weekend, weather permitting.
The Ministry of Infrastructure Development has emphasised that the Kohi Bridge and culvert remain unsafe until repairs are completed and urges communities that rely on the crossing to exercise extreme caution.
Photo: Supplied
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