Overpass in front of mall in Davao cracks

THE Davao City Government ordered on Tuesday the temporary closure of the pedestrian overpass in front of Gaisano Mall Davao as big cracks run all along the concrete stairs.

Photos taken by SunStar Davao and posted on its Facebook account to warn pedestrians showed that the overpass had a big steady crowd walking through it and a sidewalk vendor underneath, unaware of the danger they might be in.

The cracks go with the stair risers, thus from afar, it looks like it's a geometric design.

Vice Mayor Bernard Al-ag Tuesday said that he already requested the City Engineer's Office to inspect the reported crack under the overpass.

"After looking at the photos, I requested CEO head Atty. Joey Felizarta to temporarily close the overpass. Basi naay madisgrasya. Holiday ra ba daghan sa Gmall (After looking at the photos. I requested the CEO Head Atty. Joey Felizarta to temporarily close the overpass to prevent any accident. It's a holiday and many people are going to Gmall)," he said.

Al-ag said that the City Engineer's Office promised that they will inspect the area.

In a text message to SunStar, City Engineer Joseph Dominic Felizarta said, "We advised temporarily closure. We also advised Gaisano Management not to let anyone pass the area going to Gmall."

Davao City Transportation and Traffic Management Office head Dionisio Abude said that his team immediately placed traffic signs to block off the area while waiting for further advice from the CEO and the Department of Public Works and Highways.

Al-ag later in the afternoon yesterday confirmed the closure adding that they are already coordinating with GMall management and the CTTMO for alternative pedestrian access pending repair.