Submerged causeway on Olango Island ‘not alarming’

CEBU, Philippines — Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Paz Radaza is calling on the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to elevate the causeway of Sta. Rosa Wharf on Olango Island that was seen submerged in seawater in a viral Facebook post last week.

“We’re asking the DPWH to look into that. That has been observed long before pa,” she said at a press conference yesterday.

While waiting action from the agency, Radaza said she will also coordinate with the office of Lapu-Lapu City lone district Representative Aileen Radaza to propose for the elevation of the causeway.

Its function similar to that of the bridge, a causeway is raised road or track across low or wet ground.

Radaza said it was not the first time the causeway at Sta. Rosa submerged underwater as it was always the case, especially during high tide.

“There is nothing to be alarmed about it. Naanad na man mga taga-isla didto. High tide man gyud tong orasa,” she said, adding that the seawater there would engulf the causeway because of the waves caused by the Habagat season.

Andy Berame, the city’s disaster risk reduction and management officer, earlier told reporters that the incident was due to strong winds or Habagat that had prompted the water to rise that day.

The wharf in Sta. Rosa serves as Olango locals who want to go to the city proper or mainland Lapu-Lapu.

The city also has other wharves like the Muelle Osmeña in Barangay Poblacion, Hilton Wharf in Barangay Punta Engaño, and the Angasil Wharf in Barangay Agus. — JMD (FREEMAN)