A bridge in Pulangbato, Cebu City has corroded and is threatening to collapse. | Photo Courtesy of the CDRRMO
CEBU CITY, Philippines — A steel bridge in Barangay Pulangbato has been closed from motorists and pedestrians as the portions of it has been damaged due to wear.
The City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO) has cordoned the area to prevent the public from using the bridge considering that it remains to be a danger with the damage.
According to CDRRMO head, Ramil Ayuman, the residents in the barangay has noticed holes and rusting on portions of the bridge, which they feared might cause the bridge to collapse.
The Special Rescue Squad (SRS) was deployed to coordinate with Pulangbato Barangay Captain Marlene Macua to provide assistance to with regards to the bridge.
“It was noted to be heavily damaged and pose a danger to heavy vehicles that may cross the steel bridge. To prevent it from collapsing, SRS personnel cordoned the steel bridge and only motorcycles are allowed to cross while waiting for the city engineering office to begin retrofitting procedures,” said the CDRRMO.
These are the holes on the bridge at Pulangbato, Cebu City. | Photo courtesy of the CDRRMO
Ayuman said the bridge would remain closed until retrofitting would be done by the city’s Department of Engineering and Public Works (DEPW) to ensure that motorists and pedestrians would be safe when passing on it.
The barangay has also decided to build a diversion road to the other side of the bridge for a temporary passage to the public.
“Delikado na gyod ang bridge. Naa na ta status nga mocollapse na gyod. Maghinaot ko sa pagsabot sa mga residente diri, magtinabangay lang ta,” said Macua.
(The bridge is in a delicate stage. We have a status report that it is in danger of collapsing. We hope that the residents will understand [why we closed the bridge]. Let us help each other.)
The CDRRMO is set to meet the DEPW today to discuss the immediate retrofitting of the bridge.
/dbs