INVESTIGATION ON THE BOATLE BRIDGE CRUMBLE

The newly constructed Boatle interchange bridge side protection collapsed following the recent heavy rainfalls.

The Deputy Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Transport and Public Work, David Moepeng mentioned that the embankment at the interchange caused the protection of the bridge to crumble and they are to investigate and compile a report on the collapse of the bridge protection.

“We are still observing to find out what transpired. We have realised the visuals and haven’t conducted investigations as yet. Panels that were merged by seal have collapsed making it easy for water to penetrate and pass through. We have observed some cracks on the other side as well, which shows that the same situation might happen,” he said.

The contractor who took over the project before will come and attend to the crumbled bridge immediately, the bridge will be closed from the southbound on the dual carriageway and road users from Gaborone to Lobatse will use the upper lanes.

The bridge was opened to the public in 2019 but officially in March 2022, the interchange is part of the A1 Highway dual carriageway.