The Auditor General has released a report calling for improvements to be made to the inspection and maintenance of Manitoba's highway and waterway bridges.

Infrastructure Minister Blaine Pedersen says the report indicates that under the previous administration, critical infrastructure was allowed to erode and bridge safety was potentially compromised.

"Our government is already working to implement the recommendations of the Auditor General and timelines are in the process of being established," says Pedersen. "We are confident that we will be able to restore public confidence in the safety of our province's critical infrastructure."

According to Pedersen, Manitoba Infrastructure will regularly update Manitobans on the progress of implementation of the report's recommendations. Further opportunities for improvement will also be explored through the value for money audit, which will begin in the short term.

Bridge inspections continue, both through Manitoba Infrastructure and two tendered contracts, totalling more than half a million dollars. This will ensure the inspection of 240 structures in the highway network, and an additional 80 structures on the water control network.

"Manitobans expect and deserve better leadership from their government," says Pedersen. "Manitoba's new government will ensure that bridges and other critical infrastructure are inspected, maintained and repaired so that Manitobans can be confident about their safety."