By RODRICK DESURI 

AUKI 

The Afutara Bridge in South Road, West Kwaio, Malaita Province collapsed after a CCECC grader machine crossed it last week on Thursday, Dec 4, 2025.

An eyewitness and resident of Afutara, Phlince Mauniala, explained that the bridge collapsed and fell down after the CCECC’s grader attempted to cross it for road maintenance on the other side.

He mentioned that the Afutara Bridge is a very old structure that was built in the 90s. 

“The bridge is very old. It collapsed on Thursday afternoon when a CCECC grader machine crossed the bridge.

“The grader wanted to cross the bridge for maintenance work when the incident occurred,” he said.

In the meantime, a media statement from the Ministry of Infrastructure Development stated that a temporary bridge for crossing was constructed over the weekend, while a permanent bridge will come afterwards.

It stressed that the collapse occurred when a road grading machine crossed the bridge, which was subsequently pulled out after becoming stuck in the middle.

“Our engineers from the Transport Infrastructure Management Services Division, along with the contractor, are on-site today conducting an assessment.

“We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience caused to road users on the South Road of Malaita, particularly in West Kwaio and West Are’are,” the statement said.

Afutara Bridge is one of the old bridges that is in need of replacement.

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