SHILLONG: A minor earthquake which hit parts of the State on August 24 led to the collapse of the under-construction bridge in Mawhati, revealed PWD (Roads) Minister MM Danggo in the State Legislative Assembly on Thursday.
Replying to a zero hour notice moved by Independent legislator from Mawhati, Julius Dorphang, the minister said the culvert collapsed due to the failure of the staging work provided because of the weight of fresh concrete being casted.
“The immediate trigger for the collapse was the earthquake that occurred in the afternoon when the concreting was nearing completion. The floor supporting the deck slab was shaken during the quake resulting in the collapse of the supports for the culvert,” Danggo said.
According to the minister, an engineer from the Department checked the foundation of the culvert and found that adequate failure was definitely not caused by any foundation deficiency.
The minister also dismissed reports that seven workers were injured in the incident, and stated that only two workers sustained minor injuries and were taken to hospital.
The minister went on to say that said that the PWD Executive Engineer, Umsning Division, and the State Rural Roads Development Agency have issued notices to the contractor who has been instructed to continue with the construction work after carrying out all necessary safety checks.
Danggo also revealed that the contractor has been issued a stern warning he has submitted an undertaking that he would redo the work at his own cost.
