G-HERNANDEZ, Bohol – The short-length seawall built and located at the pebble shoreline in West Poblacion, Garcia-Hernandez has collapsed for some time now, making it from a seawall to seafloor, literally.
Accordingly, the project is part of the “Construction of Flood Mitigation Structure – Construction of Seawall, West Poblacion, Garcia Hernandez, Bohol, as requested by the local government unit.
The said seawall project intended to protect the pebble shoreline and residents nearby from monsoon and weather disturbance is worth Php6,540,130.37, says district Engr. Magiting Cruz of Department of Public Works and Highways-third district in his message.
It was contracted by Muana Construction and completed in September 2019.
The damage of the seawall is “primarily caused by natural forces, including the impact of Typhoon Odette, continuous heavy rainfall from monsoons and shear-line activities, and exposure to strong waves.” Environmental conditions have contributed to the gradual deterioration of the structure over time and it’s not to be blamed on “recent construction activities or negligence,” Engr. Cruz’ statement sent to this writer said.
The nearby houses looked like tattered on their side and tons of pebbles dumped onto its frontage facing the sea after the seawall collapsed.
The disintegration of the seawall’s elements (concrete, stones) is very visible as its looks like it was hit by a bomb. A thin application of the cement that held the elements together is also visible.
As if detected after the media visit on Wednesday, a cargo truck hauled and dropped rocks when the media made a second visit today (Thursday). It was not known if the materials are for rehabilitation of the seawall.
Meanwhile, Cruz has issued clarification on the collapsed flood control in Tabajan river of one of the three flood mitigation projects in barangay Tabajan, Guindulman town. Each worth Php10 million and the recent costs the government Php27.6 million and in good condition.
He said part of the one project has collapsed due to impact of the typhoon Odette since it was built between 2017 and 2019. “Since observable defects were detected, DPWH has submitted multiple reports and documentation to fast-track the request for rehabilitation funding,” he said in a statement.
He assured the public that there are no ghost projects in his turf of jurisdiction as all the project implemented has been in coordination with Congresswoman Alexie Tutor for transparency. (Ric Obedencio)
