Spillway not damaged, but demolished

CEBU, Philippines - The owner of the spillway constructed at Sitio GK Mananga, Barangay Lawaan II, Talisay City claimed that the spillway was not damaged after the overflowing of the Mananga River last week, rather it was demolished upon orders of the city government.

It was reported that Talisay City Mayor Eduardo Gullas instructed the Department of Public Works and Highways to demolish the spillway, saying that it was the cause of the collapse of some parts of the riprap along Mananga River.

But Marciano Parba, who owns the land on which the spillway was constructed, said it was not damaged during the flash flood.

“Wala ni naguba pag-overflow sa tubig. Adtong niaging semana ila ning gibakbak kay kuno ang spillway maoy naka- damage sa riprap sa GK nga mao’y hinungdan nga ang katawhan namuyo kay delikado,” he stressed.

Parba said that the river was included in the titled land he owns which is at least 4.6 hectares.

Last year, he spent around P300,000 to construct the spillway which is considered a great help to residents living in the area.

“Ang amo agianan sa may Mananga gilukban ug barbed wire. Wala na mi kalutsan.Napugos mi pagbuhat sa spillway kay aron ang mga tawo maka-traverse ug mga estudyante nga mangiskuyla sa San Isidro. Daghan estudyante namuyo sa Lawaan II,” said Parba.

However, because the spillway reportedly changed the direction of the flow of the river, which damaged some parts of the riprap, the city moved to demolish the spillway immediately.

Parba said that there are some families that have been affected because the spillway has been demolished, particularly those living in Sitio Pangpang, Isla Berde, Arkrap, Pusuan, GK Mananga, and Parba Compound.

One resident, Beth Sinco, 38, who's been living in the area for two years, said that it has been difficult for her especially that she has three siblings who go to school.

“Lisod agian. Magsige ko aswat sa ilaha,” she said.

The residents are requesting the mayor to complete the construction of the gabions along the river, while Parba added that it is better to install a steel bridge.

“Ang ako gihangyo nga iya nalang pulihan og steel bridge para ang light nga sakyanan maka-travel sad… Kay karon ang mga taw mulabang muubog sa sapa luoy kaayo,”  Parba added. (FREEMAN)