The repair of a collapsed connecting channel bridge on Jalan Puke, RW 10, Ciracas Urban Village, East Jakarta, is slated for completion within one month.

Ciracas Sub-district Head, Panangaran Ritonga, stated that the bridge caved in on April 15. Restoration efforts have been underway since the day after the incident, beginning with the removal of debris that had obstructed the water flow.

"Personnel are currently working on the bridge structure, while the Water Resources (SDA) Agency is repairing the retaining walls along the channel," he expressed, Thursday (4/23).

He explained that work progress has currently reached approximately 10 to 15 percent.

"If the clear weather holds, the work can be completed on schedule. Our primary obstacle is indeed the weather," he noted.

According to him, the bridge ramp will be elevated by about 35 to 50 centimeters. This measure is being taken to mitigate flooding during high water levels, which previously often left the bridge submerged. This condition typically caused debris to get trapped, leading to water spilling over into residential areas.

"The elevation plan has been coordinated and agreed upon with the heads of the local RT/RW and the Community Consultative Board (LMK)," he added.

East Jakarta Public Works Sub-agency Head, Benhard Hutajulu broke down the technical details of the ongoing work. The initial phase involves the repair of a 4.5-meter section of the channel's retaining wall, standing 1.5 meters high, with a base width of 40 centimeters and a top width of 30 centimeters.

Subsequently, the bridge will be reconstructed to a length of approximately nine meters and a width of five meters, fitted with safety railings on both sides.

"The railings will utilize circular steel pipes with diameters of 3 and 3.5 inches, standing 80 centimeters high," he elaborated.

He noted that 12 personnel have been deployed in a collaborative effort between the sub-agency and the Ciracas sub-district execution unit.

"As of now, material supplies are deemed secure, even though the weather remains a deciding factor that could impact the pace of work on the ground," he concluded.