City gov’t to inspect, rehabilitate bridges

CEBU, Philippines - Following the heavy downpour the other day that left much of Cebu City under rain water, the city government is set to inspect all bridges here and rehabilitate those found to be defective.

“There has to be a monitoring inspection of all the bridges. We should have these rehabilitated, have these renovated,” said Vice Mayor Edgardo Labella.

“By rehabilitating these bridges, creeks and rivers (this would help in) allowing the free-flow of water (during heavy rain),” he said.

He said there are bridges in the city that are already too old, one of which is the bridge along Bonifacio Street, which was built in 1920.

Guillermo Viola of the Department of Engineering and Public Works (DEPW) said that under normal conditions, bridges must be rehabilitated 40 years after it is constructed, taking into consideration the number of vehicles that use them.

Aside from the structural aspect, Labella said it is also important to rehabilitate the bridges because many informal settlers have encroached on the structures.

“We have so many creeks years ago, and some of these have been overtaken by informal settlers. These are really creeks. (We should) highlight and make them visible, rehabilitate them,” Labella said yesterday.

Labella also said that renovating the bridges is also preserving the heritage of the Cebuanos, thus, the rehabilitation project will be presented to the city’s Cultural and Historical Affairs Committee (CHAC).

Presently, there are at least 39 bridges and flyovers within the city and all of them are still passable. The oldest bridge is the one along Sanciangko Street, which was built during the Spanish period. – Mechelle P. Florita/JMO (FREEMAN)