THE road connecting Barangays Callawa and Dalagdag to Barangay Fatima in Paquibato District is closed indefinitely beginning July 12, 2022 due to road slip.
Road slip causes great damage to a portion of the concrete pavement wherein a section of a road collapses rendering it impassable.
“The probable causes of the slope failure based on our initial findings, the soil saturation caused by the continuous downpour of rain that resulted in water runoff likely weakened the bottom of the slope,” Spokesperson of the Department of Public Works and Highways in Davao Region (DPWH-Davao) Dean Ortiz told SunStar Davao in an interview on July 14.
Ortiz said DPWH-Davao observed ground movement in the area before the incident took place, particularly 150 meters in the ground, which weakens and damages the pavement due to the manifestation of cracks.
"Halimbawa may cracks, tapos dinaanan pa ng tubig, there is a possibility na lalaki ang mga bitak (If there are cracks, then rain or water passes through, there is possibility that cracks worsen and become bigger),” he said.
The cracks were first observed on the eve of July 9 due to persistent ground movement which is a natural occurrence, Ortiz said. He added another factor is the characteristic of the soil which ranges from clay to silty.
The road will be closed until further notice since there is still an indication of another landslide. The DPWH-Davao will also conduct various tests and surveys, as well as constant monitoring in the area.
“Beyond repair na yung area (The area is beyond repair) so we will request funds for the implementation of remedial measures in that section,” Ortiz said. There is no timeline yet as to when the repairs will begin and finish.
In the meantime, motorists are advised to take the Katualan - San Roque - Malativas Road going to and from Barangay Fatima. ICM