Nicaragua Report 3!
Operator training, and maintenance of machinery
delivered to ODA in Nicaragua |
In April 2010, as part of the “Nicaragua Road Maintenance Development Project," JICA (Japan International Cooperation Agency) donated Sakai made road stabilizers PM550 (3 vehicles), 10t earthworks vibratory rollers SV512 (3 vehicles), tire-rollers TZ701(3 vehicles) and hand-guided rollers HV51 (6 vehicles). In addition, Sakai Heavy Industries Ltd provided know-how and training for stabilizing roadbeds. This report is an account of the on-site maintenance inspections after the first year.
First, we paid a courtesy call to Minister Martinez at the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure (MTI: Ministerio de Transporte e Infraestructura) followed by a meeting at the MTI construction department to discuss the inspection schedule in detail.
The machinery to be inspected was scattered throughout different regions, which required we leave the hotel early morning and return late at night (reaching sites near the Costa Rican border took six hours one way and a stopover) making a very demanding two weeks. The PM550 were of greatest concern (about 400hrs operation), but the machines were in good condition, with very little severe damage. The SV512 (about 850hrs operation), while the most frequently used machines in the field, were in good running order with no breakdowns. In addition, although we had heard the quality of local fuel was poor, there was no particular engine trouble. We instructed engineers how to regularly eliminate condensation from the fuel tanks and replace the fuel filters.
The day before the final day of inspections, there were newspaper reports that Volcano Telica, in the volcanic chain in the north of Nicaragua, had begun to erupt and people had been ordered to evacuate the area. The last maintenance site was close to the volcano, making us nervous and a little uneasy, but the next day the eruption subsided and we completed the maintenance inspections to plan. We reaffirmed that Japan and Nicaragua sit on the Pacific Ring of Fire.
After completing the inspection, we again reported to Minister Martinez on the inspections in detail. The Minister expressed his sincere gratitude, and appreciation for the work put into the project. The distance between Japan and Nicaragua, 12,862 km (24 hours total with no direct flights), is very far, so it is not easy to provide direct instruction and training. On reflection, over the two weeks we felt keenly the significance of providing continuous instruction, reinforcing the importance of daily and periodic inspection and maintenance. |
Planned routes for road renovation (in red)
Map of Nicaragua and routes for renovation |
A PM550 and local engineers |
Plume from Volcan Telica |
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| Towns & Roads – Here & There |
| Tokyo Gate Bridge (Kyouryu-bashi) |
| National Route 357 |
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A mammoth bridge, the "Tokyo Gate Bridge" has been constructed linking "the central breakwater outer reclaim zone," which is the latest Tokyo Metropolitan reclaim zone in the outermost reaches of Tokyo Port, and Wakasu in Koto Ward (the old Tokyo Port reclaim zone 15).
The bridge started rising up over the sea in February 2009, and is due to be completed and opened in fiscal 2011. Before connecting the center of the bridge the trusses on each side resembled two opposing dinosaurs, giving the bridge its nickname "Kyouryu-bashi" (the dinosaur bridge). |
Tokyo Gate Bridge (Kyouryu-bashi) |
The bridge, 87.8m above the water at its highest point, is part of a bridge complex spanning 1,618m over the sea alone (about twice that of the Rainbow Bridge). Because of the operation of aircraft to and from Haneda Airport, the height of the bridge is restricted, and at the same time to allow passage of large shipping a truss structure was adopted, giving a clearance of 56.4m and a central span of 440m (incorporating, though sparingly, a large variety of new technology such as vibration damping).
In the near future the Tokyo Gate Bridge, together with the already completed Rinkai Tunnel (3.1km) that links the bridge to Jonanjima, Ota Ward, forms part of the Tokyo Port Rinkai Causeway, which is expected to alleviate the chronic traffic congestion and also become a new tourist attraction overlooking the seaward side of Tokyo Bay. |
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| - The signboard of the animal cautions !
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| Road signs discovered in the metropolis! "Ducks crossing!" |
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About 15 minutes walk from Mejiro Station on JR Yamanote Line at Shimoochiai 2 chome, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, in a quiet residential area we stumble over unusual signs. Then, suddenly the small, rich green area of "Otomeyama Park" appears. This area was a Tokugawa Clan hunting ground of the Edo period, an exclusive recreation hunting enclosure, closed to the public. There is a natural spring in the park, designated as No. 57 of Tokyo Renowned Springs. From here a brook leads to a pond.
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The park has two ponds divided by a narrow road where signs mark the crossing point of wild spot-billed ducks.
Thanks to this sign people pass by with caution, but it has no effect on predators such as stray cats, and now of 25 ducklings only eight have grown to healthy birds.
Sitting on a bench in the shade, the songs of birds soothes the ears , we can enjoy "Tokyo precious nature" to the full. There is a treasure to be had, taking a moment out from a busy life.
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