THE Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH)-Davao offered a free ride on Sunday, June 9, for affected residents while the detour bridge is still being constructed in Matina Pangi, Davao City.
“Due to the ongoing repairs at the Matina Pangi detour bridge, DPWH 11 will be deploying vehicles for stranded Matina Pangi residents. For more details, please coordinate with your Barangay LGU,” its Facebook page post read which was announced at around 9:30 a.m. on June 9.
Residents and motorists in the area have been clamoring to fast-track the construction of the bridge because usually, Matina Pangi River overflows during heavy rains.
DPWH-Davao likewise advised residents of Matina Pangi from Kilometer 6 to 9 (Samantha Homes, Grace Park, Gaisano, Saavedra, Iñigo Relocations and immediate environs) going to and from the downtown area to take Catalunan Grande Road due to the Matina Pangi detour bridge closure.
“Bridge will be reopened within the day [June 9]. We apologize for the inconvenience,” DPWH-Davao added.
Facebook user Randy protested over the post, saying that Catalunan Grande route is quite far and that motorcycle drivers charge them up to P200, adding that they can’t also afford to ride a taxi.
He also sought a dialogue with the DPWH together with the residents to discuss the perennial problem in their community to address it.
“Kung pwede unta, makig-dialogue mo sa mga residente diri. Apil pud ang contractor ug engineer. Pasabta mi. Ug pasabton pud mo namo sa among mga gibati (We hope there will be a dialogue with us residents, including the contractor and engineer, for us to understand what is happening and for you to understand what we are going through),” he said.
On the other hand, one Nonoy said while they appreciate the gesture of DPWH for offering a free ride, this should be a lesson for the contractors of DPWH project to complete their projects on time.
“I am glad you are now mitigating the suffering of commuter affected by this project. I hope you consider this in planning in all your project affected by the delay and seeming contractors inability to complete the project on time,” Nonoy’s comment read.
Last month, DPWH-Davao put up a steel bridge as a replacement of the washed out Matina Pangi Detour Bridge after the soil eroded while the construction of Matina Pangi Bridge is still ongoing.