Jakarta (ANTARA News) - The design of Kutai Kartanegara bridge which collapsed over the Mahakam river on Saturday is not carried out by state-owned bridge construction company Hutama Karya (HK), State-Owned Enterprises Minister Dahlan Iskan said.

"As far as I know the design was not done by Hutama Karya but by other party," minister said after attending a seminar here on Tuesday.

He said that the construction of project must involved a designer company and construction firm.

"But I do not know who produced the design of the Kutai Kartanegara bridge," the minister said.

Regarding the allegation by the public works ministry which blamed HK for the collapse of the bridge, Dahlan only smiled. He only waited for the results of the overall investigation of the public works minisry, expressing the hope that the work contract between HK and the Public works ministry would be settled well.

"It is the business of the two. I am just waiting for the result its design," he said.

Dahlan also was reluctant to instruct other construction firms within his ministry to assist the repair of the bridge. "I would not give then a permit to do that. Let them do it themselves," he added.

HK has acted as the constructor of the Mahakam bridge which has a span of 270 meters with suspended section of 270 meters.

The bridge which was officially operated in 2001 collapsed on Saturday after 10 years of its operations, killing 18 people and injured tens of others.
(Uu.A014/H-NG)

Editor: Priyambodo RH
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