Saikul-Makokching suspension bridge posing threats to locals
Source: The Sangai Express

Kangpokpi, January 17 2016: Thousands of people in as many as 32 villages under Makokching District Council Constituency under Saikul AC are facing tremendous hardships as the only connecting route-the Saikul-Makokching suspension bridge has been lying in a state of decay since the last 2/3 years.

The more than 40 year old suspension bridge constructed over Iril river serves as a key component of the road leading to Saikul from other villages under Makokching DCC and is the only lifeline of the local people.

The local Member of District Council, Thongjalun Mate along with village chiefs of eight most affected villages inspected the decaying bridge this morning and took stock of the situation so as to draw the kind attention of the State Government as well as the department concerned.

Saikul-Makokching suspension bridge posing threats to locals

Pillars of the two towers and the wooden floor of the 200 ft long suspension bridge are likely to give way anytime while the pair of main suspension cables stretching over the two towers are severely rusted which pose tremendous threats to the local populace particularly the students and farmers of the area.

Speaking to mediapersons, Makokching VA member Sonmang, who is also the local ex-MDC, said that the suspension bridge was constructed in the late 1970s by the then Special Contractor Baruni while the initial foundation stone was laid by the then Works Minister RK Thekho.

"It serves as the key connectivity of more than 32 villages under Makokching DCC with the outside world for the past many years since its inception and till now it is the only lifeline of the people living in the area" pointed out the ex-MDC while adding that the people feel deeply unfortunate over the dilapidated condition of the bridge.

He also said that among many other villages H Jangnomphai, Moljol, Maojang, NG Phainom, Songphelkholen, Tengkonphai, Tusam and Makokching are the eight worse affected villages since heavy or loaded vehicles are now restricted in using the bridge.

The ex-MDC further narrated that no maintenance or repairing work has been taken up since its inauguration for public use on the part of the state Government and the authority concerned and added that the wooden floor had been repaired through the local MLA fund and with the assistance of the village chiefs so far.

Now, all the elements of the bridge including the pair of main suspension cables and smaller vertical suspender cables attached to the main cables to support the deck below and the pillars of the two towers are severely dilapidated and pose tremendous danger to the users, added the ex-MDC.

He also said that the villages' authorities of the area have hoisted red flags on either side of the bridge as a warning signal, forbidding heavy vehicles from using the bridge and added that many vehicles have met with accidents.

Therefore, it will be wise on the part of the State Government and the department concerned to take up speedy measures and repair the bridge at the earliest before any undesirable incident occurs as over thousands of people including students cross it daily to go to different areas, Sonmang added.

While assuring the village authority members of the area to highlight the difficulties faced by the people and the pitiable condition of the bridge to the higher authority, the local MDC urged the State Government and the authority concerned to address the grievances and inconveniences of the public at the earliest.