DPWH gets Capitol support to resume Boljoon projects

The Cebu Provincial Board (PB) supported the resumption of excavation of Ili Rock in Boljoon town  and a reclamation by  the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) that were put on hold in the past two weeks.

In its regular session last Monday, the PB passed a resolution endorsing work to widen the landslide section along N. Bacalso Avenue in barangay Poblacion, Boljoon town.

The P43-million project was intended to mitigate landslides in Ili Rock mountain, said DPWH.

The PB also passed a resolution endorsing the DPWH’s rehabilitation of shore protection structures in the same area.

“To reduce this potential hazard and to ensure the safety of motorists and the people of Boljoon, the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Cebu hereby expresses its full support and the lifting of the suspension of the implementation of the said calamity project,” said the resolution sponsored by  PB Member Christopher Baricuatro of the 2nd district.

The PB passed the resolutions after the DPWH  4th  engineering district and the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) explained the need for the projects.

DPWH presented a 3D model of what the famous Ili Rock will look like once the project is completed.

The agency said the project won’t destroy the mountain. It said Ili Rock had become more vulnerable to landslides since the earthquake in October last year.

MGB geologist Josephine Alita explained that the mountain is prone to landslides.  She said crevices along its surface catch water during rain, softening the limestone.

She recommended “slope benching”as long as it is done by experts.

The contractor QM Builders is undertaking the slope-benching which will carve step-like layers on the slopes.

Alita didn’t say whether there was  an alternative o prevent landslides there.

The PB didn’t raise questions about the defacement of Ili Rock as a heritage site or the complaints of coastal residents  that the excavation took place without public consultation,disrupting access of fishing boats and disturbing the marine live as well as a land claimant’s lament that QM Builders was hauling limestone and selling it for  P300 a truckload.

Resolution

The PB likewise didn’t discuss the lack of authority of DPWH or the town to undertake a reclamation project.

Instead the DPWH told the board the need to continue the project to protect residents and those who pass the road.

After approval of the resolution, an incidental motion was passed to refer the resolution to the Cebu Provincial Reclamation Authority.

Engr. James Dellosa, DPWH Cebu 4th engineering district head, said all they needed was a PB resolution to push through with the projects.

“We will resume once we are furnished a copy of the resolution. Maybe we can start again next week,” he told reporters.

The excavation of the iconic Ili Rock  earned the ire of residents, which prompted the Boljoon municipal council to pass a resolution on Nov. 17 urging DPWH to stop the work.

A public forum was held on Nov. 21.

The Boljoon municipal council will  hold another  public hearing on the coastal projects tomorrow.