Wednesday, July 02, 2008 DPWH allocates P5M to repair damaged riprap in Samboan
THE Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) in Central Visayas has allocated P5 million for the temporary repair of a damaged riprap in a mountain barangay in the southern town of Samboan, Cebu.
The allocation came after four persons were buried alive when a landslide caused by heavy rains buried their shanty along the national highway in Barangay Poblacion, Samboan.
Cebu Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia asked the Samboan local government unit (LGU) and the Provincial Engineer’s Office to provide heavy equipment and filling materials for the immediate repair of the wrecked riprap.
Samboan Mayor Ray-mond Joseph Calderon said he will also allocate financial assistance to the family of the landslide victims.
Calderon also said the town will continue the distribution of aid to the affected residents. He said affected families remained in evacuation centers.
He said his office has yet to determine the amount to be released to families of the victims.
Mayors from the second district, district engineers, DPWH officials, Capitol heads and Rep. Pablo Garcia (Cebu, 2nd district) attended the assembly convened yesterday by Governor Garcia.
They discussed the rehabilitation of the 178-kilometer national highway connecting Santander and Alcantara towns. The project is worth P20 million to P25 million.
Engineer Fernando Cruz, of the DPWH second engineering district, said they submitted a request for the release of the allocated amount from their central office.
In the case of the Samboan landslide, Cruz recommended that a deflective type of seawall be built there instead of constructing riprap as permanent solution to the problem.
Governor Garcia, however, wanted an immediate solution to the landslide while possible permanent solutions are being considered.
The governor urged DPWH to tap existing resources from LGUs to fix damaged roads.
Garcia said Capitol, with LGUs, will help in the sourcing of filling materials and deploying heavy equipment.
“It is the responsibility of every LGU to be proactive in order to prepare for any calamity,” Governor Garcia said.
For his part, Rep. Garcia said DPWH can use its road maintenance fund for the temporary repair of damaged areas of the national road in Samboan. (GMD)
