Wednesday, 26 September, 2012
TEMPO Interactive, Cianjur:Hundreds of students from elementary schools, junior high schools and senior high schools from Cibaregbeg and Girimulya villages in Cianjur, West Java, are in danger of being swept away by Cikondang River. They are forced to brave the strong currents after a suspension bridge which was their only means for crossing the river collapsed on September 24.
"I’m terrified of being swept away while crossing the river, especially now that the rains have started," said Ilham, 12, an elementary school from Cibaregbeg, on September 25.
Ilham says that since the collapse of the Leuwidahu suspension bridge, he and his friends have been forced to go down to cross the river to go to and from school every day. "If we take a detour, we will be late for school because it is far, far away," he said.
Students and villagers alike are hoping that the bridge will be repaired quickly. If necessary, build a permanent one. "Like it or not, people must brave the river to go to the other end. Because, detouring on land will take too far," said Koswara, 50, a local resident.
He says that the suspension bridge is the sole main access to cross. The villagers themselves are ready to work together to fix the bridge. "Because crossing the river is extremely dangerous, especially when it rains," he said.
Meanwhile, Head of Cibeber District, Saepul Anwar, says that the Leuwidahu suspension bridge has not been repaired yet. He also confirms that a lot of the villagers go down the river to cross to the Girimulya village. "We, too, are concerned about this situation and will be doing our best to repair it," he said.
wo 26 sep 2012 - 7:58