The Ministry of Public Works has confirmed its awareness of the deteriorating condition of the ITI Bridge over the Cestos River prior to its collapse, which occurred after a load-bed carrying an excavator exceeded the bridge’s weight limit.
In a press statement released Monday, the Ministry expressed grave concerns regarding the bridge’s unforeseen failure. While officials are relieved that no lives were lost during the incident, they acknowledged the extensive repairs conducted by the Ministry’s Bridge Unit just weeks before the tragic collapse.
In early November, the ITI Bridge exhibited pronounced signs of distress, including severe over-flooding and unusual vibrations, prompting immediate concerns about its structural integrity, the ministry said.
Following these alarming signs, the Ministry took proactive measures by decommissioning and repairing the bridge ahead of schedule, replacing several damaged components and conducting a thorough inspection. The bridge was deemed fit for relaunch after these repairs were made.
As part of its commitment to public safety, the Ministry convened a meeting with local stakeholders, including the Joint Security, to emphasize adherence to the established load capacity regulations.
During the conference, officials reiterated that the ITI Bridge was designed to accommodate a maximum load of 25 tons, consisting of a typical truck weight of 15 tons plus an additional 10 tons of cargo.
The Ministry assigned Commander Eric Zor and the Joint Security to enforce these weight limits. However, the recent collapse was attributed to a direct violation of these regulations when a load-bed carrying an excavator—exceeding 50 tons—crossed the bridge.
The Ministry expressed disappointment at the failure of security enforcement, which undermined previously implemented preventive measures, leading to the destruction of this critical infrastructure.
“The tragic incident underscores the urgent need for all stakeholders, particularly regulatory bodies, to remain vigilant in upholding their responsibilities in protecting national assets,” the statement read.
The Ministry of Public Works has launched an investigation into the incident and pledged to take appropriate actions to prevent a recurrence. It reaffirmed its ongoing commitment to maintaining the safety and durability of public infrastructure in Liberia.
