PHOTO: Japanese inspect rusty bridge in Semey

Japanese experts have inspected the technical condition of the suspension bridge across the Irtysh River in Semey. The bridge hasn’t been inspected for 12 years, Tengrinews.kz reports. After three weeks of inspection work the Japanese experts concluded that the bridge is in a good condition. However they are concerned with the state of the traffic-bearing surface and paint coating of the suspension construction. "The main parts of the bridge, columns and steel ropes are absolutely undamaged. We are only concerned about the paint coating because there is some corrosion that should be removed," Japanese engineer Endo Kazo said. The Japanese experts are going to leave a list of recommendations on correction for correction of the shortcomings and hold a seminar. However the local budget has no funds for the expensive repairs of the bridge. In Japan the government spends 2-3 billion tenge ($13-20 million) annually to maintain one such bridge, whereas in Semey the budget allocates only 3 million tenge ($20 thousand) annually. This amount is enough only to upkeep the river crossing. This unique bridge in Semey is the only suspension construction in CIS and was commissioned in October, 2000.