Construction works are currently underway on the new Kotu Bridge, a project expected to improve access to nearby hotels, markets and its surroundings.

The project is being executed by Longjian Road & Bridge Company, with supervision provided by the National Roads Authority (NRA).

According to engineers on site, the new bridge is being constructed along an alternative alignment rather than on the existing route of the old bridge. The contractor has already built an embankment and installed pipe culverts to allow water to flow through the channel while construction activities continue.

“The water is not actually blocked; we have installed pipe culverts so that the water can flow across the channel while we excavate the pile foundation, which is the deep foundation,” explained Ousainou Ceesay.

He further noted that the engineering team is currently carrying out excavation works for the pile foundation after preparing reinforcing bars for the foundation and beams The team is drilling using an auger and dredging out excess material as part of the foundation process, noting that the excavated materials is carefully managed and not disposed of into the stream.

The project, which has a duration of six months, is expected upon completion to improve access for several hotels around the Kotu and Fajara areas, thereby supporting tourism, commerce and other related economic and social activities.