Co made temp repairs in '20, kept rickety Morbi bridge open till ’22

Made Long-Term Deal Precondition For 'Renovation’

- Ashish.Chauhan

Ahmedabad: Clock maker Oreva Group carried out “temporary” repairs on Morbi’s British-era suspension bridge in 2020 and kept the structure open allegedly at risk to public safety till March this year, ostensibly after stating in writing that a full-fledged renovation was subject to it being offered “a permanent contract”.

The collapse of the bridge on Sunday that claimed 135 lives occurred after the “renovation” promised by Oreva in its purported August 8, 2020 communication to the collector and chief municipal officer.

“We will not repair the suspension bridge on a permanent basis, procure material or hire contractors...until we get a properly signed document of a permanent agreement,” states a widely circulated copy of Oreva’s letter, authenticated by government officials.