Overhead bridge design slammed by planner

 THE narrowness and steepness of the overhead ramps at Hohola and their closeness to the power lines are clear examples of lack of a proper consultation, a government planner said.

Lands and Planning’s chief physical planner Gerisoma James told The National that either proper consultation was not done or the bridge was not built to specifications of the concept design.

Hohola and Koki feature the new overhead bridges for safety and to prevent traffic jams. James said when planners planned for public infrastructure, they should not plan to impress people but suit the needs of the users.

“You have to know the needs and requirements of all users of public infrastructure before you plan so it will suit their needs,” James said. He claimed the bridge, being constructed by Phoenix Construction, was built close to a power pole, posing a risk of people being electrocuted. 

The power lines are even closer.

According to an onsite lead hand for Phoenix Construction, Patrick Makufo, the power lines will be shifted to a new pole about five metres away.

“As you can see, there is a new pole erected by PNG Power, so when the pylons are shifted to it, it will be five metre away from the structure as per safety standard,” Makufo said. 

James said the public was not blind and anyone could identify problems with public infrastructure and make a fuss about it, and the overhead bridges were classic examples.