Following up on Prabowo's instructions, the PU Ministry will immediately build a permanent Way Bungur Bridge in East Lampung.

Minister PU Dody Hanggodo while directly reviewing the condition of the Way Bungur Bridge in Kali Pasir Village, Way Bungur District, East Lampung Regency. Photo: Dok. Ministry of PU

JAKARTA - Minister of Public Works (PU) Dody Hanggodo made a working visit to Kali Pasir Village, Way Bungur District, East Lampung Regency, Thursday, February 5.

The review was carried out to see the condition of the Way Bungur Bridge, a vital infrastructure that has long been awaited by the local community.

The condition of the severely damaged bridge received immediate attention from President Prabowo Subianto, so he asked the Minister of PU to respond to the complaint.

The presence of the central government at the location is considered a concrete answer to the connectivity problem, which is the main complaint of residents in the remote areas of East Lampung.

"I am here according to the President's instructions. I was called by the Secretary of the Cabinet, because the President gave attention. He knows that this is viral and the government must be present comprehensively," said Dody, quoted from a written statement, Friday, February 6.

Dody admitted that he had instructed the relevant parties to immediately prepare the planning for the permanent construction of the Way Bungur Bridge so that it could provide safe and sustainable access for the community.

According to him, the problem in Kali Pasir Village is not only related to the construction of the bridge, but also related to the condition of the river which has been a hindrance.

The bridge project in the area has been stalled for years due to legal and technical problems.

"This has been stalled for years, I think it's just a matter of the bridge, it turns out that there are also river problems. So, everything has to be cleaned up," he said.

Meanwhile, for the initial steps, said Dody, his party will focus on handling the overflow of river water which often causes flooding and exacerbates infrastructure damage.

Later, the PU Ministry will clean the river mouth from sedimentation or mud along about 10 kilometers (km). "About 10 kilometers long, we will immediately design and build a levee," he said.

Meanwhile, the Regent of East Lampung Ella Siti Nuryamah expressed her gratitude for the attention and support of the PU Ministry which has made the construction of the Way Bungur Bridge as one of the priority handling.

"The existence of this bridge is very strategic in supporting regional connectivity, community mobility, and facilitating the economic activities of residents. We really appreciate the quick steps of the central government," he explained.