Significant damage: The Old Slim River Bridge collapsed due to a water surge that carried debris following heavy rainfall. — Bernama
IPOH: The study on soil structure to determine the suitability of the location for a Bailey bridge to temporarily replace the Old Slim River Bridge, which collapsed in a water surge incident, has been completed and is very satisfactory, says Datuk Seri Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin.
The Perak infrastructure, energy, water and public transport committee chairman said based on the reports received so far, there had been no soil movement at the site where the Bailey bridge would be constructed.
“We want to ensure that the 77m-long bridge is capable of bearing the load for future vehicle users as currently, people have to take a 30km detour.
“So, we want to complete the Bailey bridge first to ease the daily commute for users,” he said after officiating the Jelajah Sejahtera Desaku programme for the Sungai Rapat constituency here yesterday, according to Bernama.
Earlier, the national news agency’s observation at the site of the collapsed Old Slim River Bridge in Slim Village found that cleaning works had started.
Nizar said the state government estimated a cost of nearly RM40mil for the construction of three bridges – the Old Slim River Bridge, the Kampung Pasir Bridge and the Kampung Sungai Muda Bridge – which were damaged by the water surge incident last Friday.
He said the state government would prioritise the construction of a new bridge to replace the Old Sungai Slim Bridge, which connects Slim Village to Bandar Behrang.
He noted that the Public Works Department and relevant agencies had been instructed to prepare a full report, which would be presented at the State Executive Council Meeting on Wednesday.
“The presentation of all related reports at the meeting will provide a clearer cost estimate. However, the estimated cost for all three bridges is around RM40mil,” he said.
On Saturday, Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad said the Bailey bridge was expected to be completed within seven days.
On Friday, at around 7pm, the Old Slim River Bridge – which witnessed battles between Japanese and British troops in 1942 – collapsed after being hit by a water surge that carried debris following heavy rainfall for several hours.
The incident also caused the intake point of Sungai Geliting Water Treatment Plant in Ulu Slim to rupture.
Hundreds of victims were evacuated to two temporary relief centres, and 21 others were trapped in the Risda Eco Park before being rescued by firefighters.
