THE Chico Karayan Bridge in Bontoc, Mountain Province which was damaged during the onslaught of Typhoon Lawin (Haima) in October 2016 is set for rehabilitation following the public consultation this month.
This was initiated by the Department of Public Works and Highways-Cordillera Administrative Region-Regional Office (DPWH-CAR-RO), in coordination with the Mountain Province First District Engineering Office (MPFDEO).
In a memorandum dated April 26, 2018, Engineer Edgardo Enriquez of the DPWH-CAR-RO, requested for a coordination meeting with all stakeholders including the contractor, the local government unit and the occupants of structures adjacent to the bridge.
"This meeting is just an initial undertaking to settle whatever issues or concerns which will be raised. We take the chance of the presence of our project engineer and our project manager to answer questions," MPFDEO District Engineer Alexander Castañeda said.
The Chico Karayan Bridges was damaged due to the scouring in its piles.
Assessment and re-assessment of the damage done to the structure by DPWH authorities revealed the bridge will have to be reconstructed after a proposal that the damaged piers will undergo retrofitting to spare the people the hassles of the total replacement of the bridge.
Considering the rehabilitation expense, DPWH Central Office deemed reconstruction would be more beneficial to the people and more advantageous to the government.
"We wish to work on the project while weather conditions permit and for the project to be completed on time. We appeal to the occupants to cooperate and to help resolve conflicts amicably," Castañeda added.
Castañeda explained obstructions will have to be cleared, hopefully with no resistance since the DPWH would not want to resort to court litigations which would cause delay to the project.
Contract cost is at P208,279,496.07 while the notice to proceed was issued to the contractor on April 13 with a projected duration of 450 calendar days and is expected to be completed on July 12, 2019.
Due to some unexpected obstruction within the construction site, negotiations had to take place to iron out resistance from affected residents.
“There is a dire need to protect structures, especially bridges because our people will be the ones to suffer most should these become impassable due to natural or man-made disasters. We should learn from our experiences after Typhoon Lawin in 2016. We cannot afford to be isolated from the world,” Castañeda added.