The Civil Society Women’s Organisation (CSWO) has questioned the state government whether experts were roped in to ensure that the Damsite Bridge can withstand the load of heavy trucks that passes through it.
Expressing fear that the bridge, which has already crossed its technical lifespan, could put the life of people downstream and commuters in danger, CSWO president Agnes Kharshiing said, “The public wants to know which engineer has certified allowing more than 35+12 laden trucks to cross the Damsite Bridge.”
“If a newly built bridge at Dwar Ksuid etc could not withstand the weight to these trucks, how the old bridge in Damsite could? A bridge which in today’s term is meant for small vehicles, to cross to Shillong and Ribhoi area and further,” she questioned.
She demanded that the department concerned has to get a clear certification from an expert before it allows the ten times heavy loaded trucks to ply through the bridge located at the main Umiam Reservoir Dam.
Stating that pressure from the water and the trucks may burst the bridge and cause a disaster she also demanded that the government should immediately take note and act to protect lives.
