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Saturday, April 14, 2007
Arroyo orders DPWH to repair vital Davao span
By Ben O. Tesiorna
PRESIDENT Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has ordered Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Manuel M. Bonoan to "immediately act" on the reconstruction of the old Bankerohan bridge that almost collapsed last Thursday morning.
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House Majority Leader Prospero Nograles said the President readily gave the order to the DPWH after being informed about the incident and the horrendous traffic jam it is causing to the city.
Nograles earlier vowed to help in sourcing out the fund for the reconstruction of the old bridge estimated to cost at least P300 million.
The old Bankerohan bridge is now being demolished and a new one will be constructed after one of its piers was discovered to be in a "very dangerous" state during an inspection Thursday morning by the DPWH.
DPWH 11 assistant regional director for construction operation Reynaldo Tamayo said one of the pier of the old bridge collapsed Thursday morning prompting them to demolish it to prevent the possible collapse of the remaining five piers.
He said the collapse could have been triggered by the earthquake last Holy Week aside from the fact that the bridge was constructed in 1947, half a century ago.
Tamayo said all that the regional office can do now is to demolish the whole structure. The bridge's reconstruction will depend on availability of funds.
With Bonoan ordered to act on the bridge reconstruction, residents can expect that funds will be made available soon.
Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte also promised to help in sourcing funds for the construction.
Experts estimate construction of a new bridge to take a year. (Sun.Star Davao)For more Philippine news, visit Sun.Star Cagayan de Oro. (April 14, 2007 issue)
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