PROBE clears Mahiga creek of foot bridges

Personnel of the Cebu City Prevention, Restoration, Order, Beautification and Enhancement (PROBE) use a backhoe to remove the steel base of one of the foot bridges on Mahiga Creek in time for the rainy season.(CDN/JUNJIE MENDOZA)

CEBU City’s  Prevention, Restoration, Order, Beautification and Enhancement (PROBE) team dismantled the  remaining foot bridges on the Mahiga Creek as part of the preparation for the rainy season.

At least 10 of the 18  foot bridges were dismantled  last June 22 but the steel bars that served as the bridges’ base were left as the demolition team did not have the equipment to remove it.

Yesterday, they brought a  backhoe to remove the steel bars.

They also dismantled five more foot bridges but  left three which the residents can use on the request of Subangdaku barangay captain Ernie Manatad.

The foot bridges were mostly used by Subangdaku, Mandaue City residents who live on the other side of the creek.

The city gave the residents a 10-day notice on June 3 telling them to voluntarily “clear” the foot bridges or let the task force do it for them.

Melanie Pepito, a resident of the Mahiga Creek on Mandaue City’s side, lamented that their children no longer have foot bridges to use.  They are also prohibited from using the access road beside the city abattoir.

Dr. Pilar Romero, the Cebu City veterinarian, said they prohibit residents from using the abattoir road since this is being used by trucks that transport animals to the abattoir and is dangerous, especially to the children.

One of the three foot bridges left is located beside the abattoir bridge.

Pepito said they will not be able to use the concrete bridge since it would be flooded when the creek overflows.