4 bridges to replace critical spillways

DUMAGUETE City Mayor Manuel Sagarbarria said Wednesday that the four critical spillways along Banica River will be replaced by four bridges through the National Government’s “Tulay ng Pangulo” program.

The spillways connecting Taclobo ang Bagacay, as well as Batinguel to Bagacay are the priority of the “Tulay ng Pangulo” projects, said Sagarbarria.

The spillways connecting Batinguel to Cadawinonan and Candau-ay to Balugo, on the other hand, will be next in the priority list, he said.

DUMAGUETE. A scenario of the spillway connecting Candau-ay and Cadawinonan villages in Dumaguete City when the floods overflowed over the weekend. (Victor L. Camion)

The mayor also said that strong current from flash floods overflowing the spillways during rainy season threatens lives and properties.

The spillway connecting Taclobo and Bagacay already claimed several lives of motorists since 2000. It is also the only way going to the public cemetery in Bagacay village, the mayor said.

He said it is the main reason why he personally lobbied for its funding through the “Tulay ng Pangulo” program.

The mayor said President Benigno Aquino III has already allotted at least P35 million for each bridge and will start on December 2012 under the implementation of the second engineering district of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).

Sagarbarria clarified, however, that the four bridges are relatively smaller than the Tinago Bridge.

The Tinago Bridge, which connects Poblacion 1 and Calindagan villages, was funded by the “Tulay ng Pangulo” program and was constructed in 2007. (Victor L. Camion/Sunnex)