Tchibanga: New Mougoutsi River bridge completed

A new concrete bridge has been completed over the Mougoutsi River in Tchibanga, Nyanga Province, replacing outdated infrastructure that failed in late 2023. The previous system, consisting of three culverts installed in 1976, was destroyed by heavy flooding in December 2023.

The collapse of the old culverts caused significant disruption, isolating critical sites including the 7th Military Region, the central prison, the Court of Accounts, and the local airport from the rest of the city. It also hindered transport and economic activity on the route to Moabi, located approximately 50 kilometers north.

Following an urgent request from Transition President Brice-Clotaire Oligui Nguema, the Chinese company COVEC initially implemented a temporary diversion to restore traffic. The Ministry of Public Works subsequently commissioned COVEC to construct the permanent concrete bridge. The new structure is designed to be higher and wider, allowing for better water flow to prevent future flooding and protect nearby residential areas.