Mines bureau asked to inspect ‘sinking’ Itogon grounds

ITOGON, Benguet -- A top official here passed a resolution requesting the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) of the Cordillera to conduct soil stability test in “sinking” grounds in this town.

Itogon is one of the municipalities in Benguet that area prone to flood and susceptible to landslides. It was noted that during the past typhoons that some of the infrastructure projects here were damaged.

The Municipal Council also observed a recent sinking of the ground along the Baguio Bua–Itogon national road that caused a crack to the newly paved road.

“There is a need to check the stability of Baguio Gold and nearby sitios of Tuding and along the Baguio–Bua–Itogon, particularly at Lower Ucab, all in this municipality, in order to prevent untoward accidents,” said Vice Mayor Noel Ngolob in his Resolution 212, Series of 2012.

Benguet Board Member Johnny Waguis, who is a native of Itogon, said Barangay Ucab roads and even the residential areas of the municipality are sinking.

Meanwhile, municipal employee James Kidange revealed in a letter submitted to the board that some earth balling and moving activities were done in town by companies mostly engaged in mining.

Kidange informed the board on the activities that need an immediate action. He asked for an investigation on the matter.