DPWH starts seawall repairs

The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has started its repairs of the seawall along Roxas Boulevard in Manila that was damaged by strong waves spawned by Typhoon “Pedring” in September, a DPWH official said.

Public Works Undersecretary Romeo Momo said the repairs, which will cost the government more than P90 million, began on Thursday and were expected to be finished by April.

“It’s the entire seawall of Roxas Boulevard from the US Embassy to the (Manila) Yacht Club,” Momo said.

“They have two backhoes and we don’t see any hitches in the repairs,” he added.

Public Works Secretary Rogelio Singson earlier said the repairs of the damaged portions were initially estimated to cost P30 million but the DPWH decided to strengthen the entire length of the 1.4 kilometer seawall.

DPWH Bureau of Design chief Gilberto Reyes said the seawall’s height would be raised from 18 inches to 24 inches while its width would be widened to 1.2 meters from 800 centimeters.

“That was the agreement between the Secretary and (Manila) Mayor (Alfredo) Lim,” Reyes said.

He added that the DPWH would also put in steel bars  “so that its resistance to waves would be stronger.” Philip C. Tubeza