Bridge demolition halted, to resume Monday

DEMOLITION of a bridge that blocked the flow of the Mahiga Creek was suspended after a backhoe malfuctioned, forcing a City Hall team to re-schedule the job next Monday.

The bridge was located in the lot previously owned by Pepsi Cola Products Philippines Inc.

The lot was later sold to Asia Brewery Incorporated. The clearing order was signed by Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama in Sept. 4 last year.

The demolition wasn’t implemented immediately due to legal impediments with the new owners of the property.

A team from the Prevention Restoration Order Beautification Enhancement (PROBE) was sent to demolish the bridge.

Armed with a backhoe breaker and a crane, the team started dismantling the cement and steel bridge. But the backhoe’s hose broke, halting the operation.

“The backhoe’s hose still has to be replaced. We will resume on Monday,” said Engr. Guillermo Viola of the Department of Engineering and Public Works (DEPW).

It will take three more days for the bridge to be completely demolished, Viola said.

Probe chief Raquel Arce said a barangay resolution was submitted to City Hall asking for the speedy demolition of the bridge, especially after the heavy downpour last Saturday that caused neck-deep flooding in Sitio Magtalisay.

“The flooding here has become worse. Residents say they already have to swim in the floods,” Mabolo Barangay Councilor Frank Gajudo said.

Viola, officer-in-charge of the DEPW’s drainage management section, said the bridge had no permit. With Correspondent Jose Santino Bunachita