CEBU Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia issued an executive order disallowing anyone from using the newly constructed footbridge across the Sapangdaku River in barangay Cambang-ug, Toledo City.
The concrete footbridge was constructed using funds from the barangay to provide them access across the river especially during the rainy season.
But Garcia said there may defects in the design of the footbridge that aggravates the choke point in the Sapangdaku River. This she said could be “Ormoc disaster in the making.”
“I was really very much reminded of what happened in Ormoc, wherein there is a choke point in the Anilaw Bridge resulting in the build-up of water. It (bridge) contributed to the building of a natural dam.
“And when the natural dam gave way, the water was released wiping out Isla Verde,” she told reporters.
The columns of the footbridge, Garcia said, contributed to the obstruction of the waterway.
Garcia met with local officials led by Toledo Mayor Aurelio Espinosa and Vice Mayor Arlene Zambo last Thursday morning to discuss the matter.
Garcia said she already warned Cambang-ug barangay captain Epifanio Panugan to halt construction of the footbridge.
“I issued an executive order prohibiting the use of the bridge and start immediately the clearing of the chokepoint,” she said.
Garcia also said she placed on hold all quarry permits in the river until the chokepoints are cleared of debris.
Garcia said she will work with the Toledo City government, the provincial engineering office and the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) to address the problem.
Garcia will meet the residents of Cambang-on this Monday.