MCWD permit on hold over road accident

CEBU, Philippines — The Mandaue City government has put on hold all excavation permits of the Metropolitan Cebu Water District (MCWD) in the city following the death of a motorist at its excavation site in Barangay Basak Monday night.

"Gipatawag na nako ang MCWD ug contractors ug gipa-hold nato tanan excavation permits sa MCWD until mahuman nila’g restore tanan nila gibangag nga roads (I have already called MCWD and the contractors to a meeting and we have put all excavation permits of MCWD on hold until they have restored all road they have dug at),” said Atty. John Eddu Ibañez, chief of staff of Mayor Jonas Cortes

“Akoa pa gipa-inventory all excavation nila kay atoa gipa-restore nila tanan. ASAP. Kay di na sila ma-issuehan new permits until ma-restore nila tanan (I have asked them to do an inventory of all excavations and restore all immediately otherwise they won’t be issued permits)," he added.

MCWD spokesperson Charmaine Rodriguez-Kara said they had to do some work at the area where the accident happened because of a leak. She said the hole was due for concreting and asphalting.

In a statement yesterday, MCWD said it is coordinating with the family of the motorist, Richard Silao.

“MCWD expresses its deep condolences to the family of Mr. Richard Silao who passed away in the hospital today or hours after a road accident in Basak, Mandaue City. Rest assured, MCWD is closely coordinating with the Silao family,” the statement read.

Kara said MCWD is willing to help Silao’s family. Richard, 47, was working at a ship docked at the Ouano Wharf in Mandaue City.

Meanwhile, Mandaue City police chief Jonathan Abella said he will look into why the incident was not entered into the police blotter.

"Ipa-investigate ko na ngano wala na gi-blotter nga even if walay niadto ang tagtungod para magpa-blotter, dapat adtoon gyud na sa police to know the details of the incident (I will have it investigated why it was not entered into the blotter. The police should have gone to the site to know the details of the incident and entered it in the blotter even if no party went to the station to report it)," Abella said.  JMO (FREEMAN)