RDA: UPDATE ON MONZE -NIKO ROAD

 


The existin


g crossing at the Bweengwa River was constructed using eleven 1700 mm diameter Armco pipe culverts. These were backfilled with gravel material, which also served as the base layer for a 200 mm thick concrete pavement slab forming the roadway surface.

On 21st March 2026 at approximately 20:00 hours, a major structural failure occurred at the crossing. According to eyewitness accounts, the incident happened during peak fish trading activity, when a large number of people had gathered near the site.

Witnesses described a sudden surge of water, resembling a wave, which struck the culvert crossing. Water levels rose rapidly, reaching approximately knee height above the concrete slab. Within a short period, a significant section of the slab collapsed.

The area had experienced heavy rainfall over the preceding two days, which likely contributed to elevated river flows. Based on site observations and collected information, several factors are believed to have led to the failure.

Following an assessment by the Consultant and Contractor, several temporary remedial measures were proposed and implemented. These included the installation of multiple lines of 900 mm and 1200 mm diameter relief concrete pipe culverts before  the damaged section to improve water conveyance. The  water channel was also cleared and re-established to ensure unobstructed flow.

The collapsed section was backfilled using boulders and subsequently followed by selected  gravel material, which was then compacted to  restore trafficability. These emergency works were scheduled for completion by 24th March 2026, after which controlled traffic movement was expected to resume.

Historically, the existing culvert system has proven inadequate, with frequent overtopping during rainy seasons. In response to this recurring issue, a permanent solution is already underway.

A three-span bridge with a total span of 52 metres is currently under construction at the site, with progress estimated at 65% completion. According to the project schedule, the bridge is expected to be completed by the end of July, 2026.

Once finished, the new bridge will provide sufficient hydraulic capacity to accommodate high flows and will significantly reduce the risk of similar failures in the future.

Credit: Story/Pix-RDA

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