Bonbon bridge eyed to link three villages

CEBU, Philippines - Officials of Barangay Bonbon are asking the city government to build a bridge that would connect three villages in the barangay.

In a resolution furnished to Mayor Michael Rama, the barangay officials said it is necessary that sitios Camarin, Guila-Guila and Patag be connected so that children from sitio Camarin would not endanger their lives when they cross a river in going to school. The river reportedly rises up to eight feet especially during heavy rains. In fact, many have reportedly died when they were washed away by the river’s strong current.

The river separates Camarin from the rest of Bonbon and the closest villages a bridge can connect it to are sitios Guila-Guila and Patag.

Councilor Roberto Cabarrubias said the area is considered a danger zone because the current is often always strong because water from the mountains converges at that point of the river. Cabarrubias said it is about time that a bridge is built to protect the residents thereat.

“If dili madala sa Supplemental Budgets this year since maghimo pa man ta og POWE (Program of Works and Estimates), basin maapil na ni sa annual budget next year,” Cabarrubias said.

The project would need about P8 million to P10 million. It would also reportedly need experts who can ensure that the bridge can withstand the river’s strong current.

Cabarrubis said the project was supposed to be funded by Department of Public Works and Highways last year but the budget was reportedly realigned.

“Mao bitaw nag-request karon si Captain Alex para ang city na lang mugasto,” Cabarrubias said.

Cabarrubias said they will soon ask the Department of Engineering and Public Works to prepare the POWE, which also needs thorough study and site inspection.

At least a house will be affected by the construction of the bridge, if ever, but Cabarrubias said the occupants are reportedly willing to relocate. — (FREEMAN)