Spillway ordered demolished

CEBU, Philippines - Talisay City Mayor Eduardo Gullas has instructed the Department of Public Works and Highways to immediately demolish the spillway in Gawad Kalinga Lawaan 2 Talisay, after noting that the structure is no longer safe.

Gullas, who conducted an inspection in the area together with the city engineering department and DPWH District 2 Engineer Leslie Anthony Molina, said the structure is no longer safe and it might cause damage to the riprap beside it.

Molina said the destruction has to be done immediately, but they, however, need to depend on the water level in the area and the availability of their equipment.

"Kung dili matanggal ang spillway which is delikado kay pwede tanan structures sa riprap mahurot," Molina said.

He also mentioned the construction of the spillway is illegal.

"Illegal ang pag-construct sa bridge, and we'll proceed to demolish. Nakita namo pagtrabaho sa spill bridge mura’g walay clearance or permit gikan sa DPWH, and also (from) the building official," he added.

Molina said that it was a private company that constructed the spillway.  He, however, did not divulge the name of the construction firm.

Gullas also said that he has proposed the dredging of the Mananga River, after observing that some areas are already shallow.

He said that the water that usually descends from the mountain areas brings soil and gravel, which causes some parts of the river to become shallow.

"Mabaw na gyud kaayo ang Mananga," he said.

The city is now formulating the memorandum of agreement between the city government and DPWH for the dredging activity.

Molina said that their role is to give permit to the city government to proceed with the dredging. (FREEMAN)