LARKANA: The bridge that was constructed in 2012 on Rice Canal has developed cracks for the second time due to which it has been closed for all kinds of transport while the concerned department is getting it repaired.
The bridge was constructed on Rice Canal five years ago to facilitate the PPP workers and residents of other villages to travel. A large number of party workers arrive every year in Larkana to participate in the two mega-events held annually at Garhi Khuda Bux.
The first is on April 4 for the death anniversary of Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto, and the second is on December 27, the day of martyrdom of Benazir Bhutto.
Different roads were also constructed during the same period for this purpose to enable the PPP leadership to reach Bhutto mausoleum in Garhi Khuda Bux without any trouble, but now they use helicopters to arrive. The regular traffic has been redirected to the old bridge which was originally constructed during the British rule. It was also repaired and renovated recently by the present Sindh government.
Residents of the area Muhammad Punhal and Ramzan told media that the material used in the construction of the bridge was substandard which is why the bridge developed cracks soon after the construction. They said that the previously cemented bars fell down in the Rice Canal creating a dangerous situation for those who were travelling at night.
They said that the bridge had developed cracks at another spot which too was being repaired, adding that they were unaware of the type of material used by the contractor of the bridge.
The local residents further told that the old bridge was constructed over a century ago but it was still intact and even in better shape than the recently completed new bridge.
They said that the old bridge has been used for decades but it never developed such cracks. The old bridge was only repaired when regulator doors were rusted and flow of water was reduced, they added.
Rice Canal Engineer Ahmed Nawaz Chandio said that the repair work was in progress at the site and the bridge would be opened for traffic soon. When asked whether the repair will be completed before April 4, he hoped that the bridge would be opened for traffic.