DPWH starts repair of Manila Bay seawall

MANILA, Philippines - The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has started repairing the 1.4 kilometer section of the seawall along Manila Bay that was damaged by strong waves spawned by typhoon ”Pedring”three months ago.

DPWH undersecretary for regional operations Romeo Momo said repair works commenced on Thursday.

The DPWH-National Capital Region has four months or until April to finish the repairs on the seawall from the US embassy to the Manila Yacht Club.

In a previous interview, DPWH Secretary Rogelio Singson said that from the initial estimate of P30 million, the project cost was raised to P97 million so that the seawall can also be widened and raised.

DPWH-Bureau of Design director Gilberto Reyes had said they would add six more inches for the seawall to reach a height of 24 inches.

The top of the wall, where people often sit, would also be widened from 800 centimeters to 1,200 centimeters, he said.

“We and the city government of Manila agreed on the widening of the top of the seawall,” he said.

He assured the public that even if they raise and widen the seawall, it would not obstruct the breathtaking view of the sunset from the Manila Bay.

“We would also strengthen the seawall. The original seawall was not anchored on the rocks. Before the seawall was just put on top of the concrete wall but this time, we would be drilling steel dowel bars to keep it intact and to strengthen it from the strong waves (that might be brought about by strong typhoons),” he said.