PM Dung calls for bridge halt
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10 0ct 2007 - Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung has ordered a temporary suspension of the rebuilding of the collapsed 90 metres of the Can Tho Bridge approach ramp to ensure worker safety.
The work would not resume until the cause of the accident was identified and safety was assured, he said yesterday.
The Prime Minister asked that rescue work continue to recover the single worker believed still trapped in the debris.
He also asked that the bridge builders co-operate closely with investigators to identify why the section of the bridge fell 14 days ago.
The Prime Minister told the major contractor – a consortium of Japanese companies Taisei, Kajima and Nippon Steel – that their co-operation would help the national investigation committee’s work.
This was to identify the cause of the accident and assess the responsibilities of those involved in its building.
All documents involving then construction of the bridge must be available for the investigators, he said during a visit to the construction site.
And all work on design, construction and supervision of the collapsed section must be reviewed.
The committee would also suggest measures to deal with any shortcomings in the State’s management of construction and safety standards.
The Prime Minister asked the committee to quicken its work so that construction of the bridge could be resumed.
He praised forces from the Military Zone No. 9 and Hospital 121 who provided timely first-aid, rescue work and medical services for injured workers.
After his visit to the construction site, he met and extended condolences to families of the victims in My Hoa Commune, Binh Minh District, and asked that they resume their daily activities.
Transport Ministry figures show that 53 people were killed and 80 injured when the bridge collapsed, not including the still missing worker.
The Prime Minister approved the establishment of a national investigation committee to find the causes of the bridge collapse Saturday morning.
The committee is chaired by Construction Minister Nguyen Hong Quan who also chairs the state construction council.
The 10-member committee, which includes Vietnamese officials and a representative from the Japanese Department of Bridge and Road Technology, will clarify the responsibilities of groups involved in the project and propose measures to repair and reset the project on course.
The Prime Minister has ordered the committee to report to him within a month.
Japanese aid
Japanese Deputy Foreign Minister Kimura Hitoshi discussed the bridge collapse with provincial representatives yesterday.
He confirmed Japan’s continued support by sending experts and delegations to inspect and help identify the cause of the collapse.
Kimura Hitoshi expressed his condolences to both the people and the Viet Nam Government.
He wished the injured a quick recovery and spoke of his concern about the remaining missing person.
In response, Vinh Long Province People’s Committee Chairman Pham Van Dau acknowledged Japan’s efforts to overcome the tragedy.
Sources, Authors:
Viet Nam News