Posted on 11/29/2004 3:57:30 AM PST by KidGlock
Urine may lead to collapse of major bridge in Indonesia's Sumatra
Nov 27, 2:25 AM ET
JAKARTA (AFP) - A landmark bridge in Indonesia's Sumatra island may collapse because too many people are fond of urinating on one of its steel pillars.
Public works officials have found that the Ampera bridge, the landmark of Palembang city, the capital of South Sumatra province, has begun to lean on an angle and rocks slightly when traffic is heavy, the Jakarta Post said.
An official at the public works department in Palembang, Azmi Lakoni, was quoted as saying the bridge had deteriorated because people often took a leak on one of its piers, corroding the structure.
"We are concerned that one of its main support piers has been weakened by urine, as it is a popular spot for locals to relieve themselves," Lakoni said.
He added that the acidic fluid's corrosive forces could attribute to an eventual collapse of the bridge.
Officials said cargo vehicles weighing more than one tonne would be diverted from the bridge.
Urine big trouble.
This story sounds like it is "taking the piss" as the Brits would say.
In related news, officials have expressed concern that similar problems might be encoutered at a recently-opened presidential library locaed in Little Rock, Arkansas.
I am afraid to ask where these folks defecate. Scratch this from my "tourist must see list."
Maybe a wire leading from a transformer to the steel bridge pier might cut down on the amount of acid being sprayed?
I actuall visited a Mexican town where the cathedral had signs all around it in Spanish saying: "Do not pee on the cathedral."
Ouch !
"Troubled Waters Over a Bridge"
They should put up a sign:
"This is our ILLAR...
Notice there is no "P" in it.
Please keep it that way!"
It's just the dog in all of us men.
After having lived there for a few years, I can tell you that it isn't always mud at the bottom of their rivers and lakes.
At least some Meaty Urologist is not telling them what to wear every day they they do in over here.
There's a huge sign at the beach in Tarifa, Southern Spain in Spanish and Arabic that requests visitors to the beach not defecate amongst the rocks.
An official at the public works department in Palembang, Azmi Lakoni, was quoted as saying "this pisses me off"
Yikes...could this also be the secret to Sumatran coffee....one of the best varieties in the world?
There seems to be a Giant Rat in Sumatra...
I'm sure it's a lovely spot :::GAG :::
--Ahem-- Calling Doctor Fierro...
The other one unfazed, mutters, "Yeah, it's deep too."
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