Since Collapse Due To Flash Floods, Cigadung River Bridge Has Not Been Renovated, Sukabumi Residents Are Restless

Residents have been desperate to cross through the river since the suspension bridge connecting Kedusunan I Lamanggala with Kedusunan II Bantargadung Girang in Sukabumi collapsed. (ANTARA/Aditya Rohman)

JABAR - The flash flood that hit the Cigadung River caused the suspension bridge connecting Cumanggala Hamlet to Bantargadung Hamlet in Kubang Village, Sukabumi Regency, to collapse. However, until now the bridge has not been rebuilt.

Bantargadung District Disaster Management Officer (P2BK), Sihabudin, said the suspension bridge was vital for residents' activities. Since the bridge was cut off on Friday, September 23, a number of residents have remained determined to cross the river which is quite fast, threatening their safety.

"There is a need for the suspension bridge in Bantargadung District because it is the main access road for residents from the two hamlets," said Sihabudin in Sukabumi, West Java, as quoted from Antara, Wednesday, September 28.

He said his party had coordinated with the Bantargadung District Leadership Communication Forum (Forkopimcam) in an effort to accelerate the renovation of the suspension bridge.

The existence of this bridge is also used as a route for students to take education and access residents to earn sustenance.

Furthermore, Sihabudin said, besides having to be rebuilt quickly, the location must also be moved. According to him, if forced to build in the same place, he is worried that when the Cigadung River is flooded again, the bridge has the potential to be damaged again.

The head of Bantargadung Hamlet, Budi added, the bridge is the main access for the residents, after it was cut off, the community was forced to cross the river because if it turned far enough.

"During the day and the condition of the river current is not heavy, residents can still pass it. This bridge is a 24-hour transportation access for residents, after the activity is interrupted, it is very disrupted," he said.

Budi said that most people in this village earn from making pindang fish. After the bridge is cut, it is not only difficult to market the supply of raw materials, it is also difficult to send them to the area.

Therefore, his party hopes that the government can immediately rebuild the bridge or build a temporary bridge so that community activities return to normal, besides that he is worried that something undesirable will happen if residents cross by crossing the river.