Bridge repairs leave river a clogged mess

Bridge repairs leave river a clogged mess

Discarded old bridge pilings, metal supports and other rubbish clog the Trang River at Kaem Dam pier near Moo 1 village in tambon Khok Yang of Kantang district. (Photo by Methee Muangkaew)
Discarded old bridge pilings, metal supports and other rubbish clog the Trang River at Kaem Dam pier near Moo 1 village in tambon Khok Yang of Kantang district. (Photo by Methee Muangkaew)

TRANG -- A large quantity of construction material dumped into the Trang River during repairs to a bridge is blocking the waterway and causing problems for nearby residents.

The repairs are progressing slowly to the bridge over the river at Kaem Dam pier near Moo 1 village in tambon Khok Yang of Kantang district, with much work still to be done. 

The bridge is an important link between several tambons in Muang and Kantang district.

During the repair work, old pilings, concrete slabs and iron rods have been dumped into the river. The material obstructs the waterway and caused heavy flooding that lasted for weeks in December and January.  At the time, the adjoining land along both sides the river was about two metres under water. 

Many boats have capsized and sunk after hitting the contruction debris, villagers say.

Now the level of the Trang River has dropped and previously submerged debris has emerged, making it even more dangerous for people travelling by boat.

Wanlop Muangrian, a bridge repair crew foreman, said it would take months to remove the dumped material. But he would try to speed up the work.

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