CONTRARY to the report that Makapiko bridge between Batuan and Catigbian towns is safe, the said bridge may collapse anytime and dangerous to the riding public if no immediate repair is undertaken.
“There had been traces of soil erosion at the bottom part of the said structure, anytime, it may collapse especially this rainy season it will easily give in, it may cause a serious risk for all motorists and riding public,” Provincial Board member Nathaniel Binlod told his colleagues in the Sangguniang Panlalawigan regular session recently.
The TIMES found that curve approach of the bridge on the Batuan side appear hanging in the balance since the concrete boulders supporting the said approach appeared to be washed out.
Binlod expressed lament that it has been over a year that the said bridge is badly affected by the super typhoon Odette and has suffered the continuous heavy downpour.
“Recently, the Province of Bohol suffered from heavy rains for almost two months, in spite of safety travel advisory informing the public that the road connecting the bridge is safe and passable as per assessment conducted by the DPWH team,” he said in his privilege speech.
The situation needs an “immediate and urgent action for safety of the riding public which is our concern.”
Immediate action on the part of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) 3rd engineer district is urgent because “there is already a budget included in 2023 budget from the General Appropriation Act, amounting to P44 million Pesos for the repair and rehabilitation of Makapiko road connecting Makapiko bridge,” he added.
This persuaded the SP members to approve his proposed RESOLUTION NO. 2023-107, requesting Engr. Magiting A. Cruz, District Engineer, Third Engineering District, DPWH, Guindulman, Bohol for immediate and urgent implementation of the P44 Million budget for the repair and rehabilitation of Makapiko road connecting Makapiko bridge of Barangay Rizal, Batuan, Bohol.
He also urged the DPWH III to restrict the passage of big cargo trucks in the said highway.
RESOLUTION NO. 2023-108 Requesting Engr. Magiting A. Cruz, District Engineer, Third Engineering District, DPWH, Guindulman, Bohol to make urgent advisory to the operators of heavy trucks and cargo trucks not to take the Makapiko road connecting to Makapiko bridge for safety and protection of the riding public until such time the project will be implemented and completed.
Both measures are Sponsored by Binlod and co-sponsored by the Vice Gov. Dionisio Victor A. Balite, who presided over the said session. (rvo)
