DPWH urged to rush repair of Hagonoy hanging bridges

 

Iba hanging bridge as photographed by Jessie Episcope.

HAGONOY, Bulacan—Bulakenyos are literally demanding immediate repairs of four old hanging bridges here to prevent possible accidents that may cause lives. 

The four hanging bridges which are now in state of disrepair are located in barangays Iba, Abulalas, Carillo and San Agustin.

The provincial government said the request for the rehabilitation of the said bridges has been submitted to the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH). 

“Huwag na sanang hintayin pa na may maaksidente diyan bago maipagawa. Kadalasan kasi pag naging headline ang pangyayari saka lang may gagawa ng paraan para mapasimulan,” said a certain Marcelo Suerte Felipe.

Others motorists noted that the said bridges pose danger not only to them, but also to residents and elementary students who often use it.

They specifically cited the hanging bridge in Barangay Iba that links the village to Barangay Iba Este in Calumpit town.

The said bridge is about 200 meters long as it crossed the upstream of the man-made Labangan channel.

“Kadadaan ko lang sa lugar na yan, kung makikita ninyo lang kung paano ang lakas ng loob ng mga tumatawid na mga students, malulungkot kayo,” said a resident who asked not to be named while referring to the Iba hanging bridge.

The same was echoed by residents of Barangay Abulalas with regards to the hanging bridge in their village that links it to Barangay San Isidro II in Paombong town.

The said bridge is also about 200 meters long as it crossed the downstream of the Labangan Channel.

In Barangay Carillo, residents said the hanging bridge in their village linking Barangay Abulalas was totally damaged just before the 2007 elections.

Its steel cable snapped while supporters of a mayoralty candidate were crossing in April 2007.

In Barangay San Agustin, residents are trying to protect what remains of their hanging bridge that links with Barangay San Pablo.

They put warning signs on the bridge to stop teenagers from playing and staying too long on the bridge.

Vicente Cruz, a political adviser of Governor Wilhelmino Alvarado said that the DPWH has allocated P5-million for the repair of the hanging bridges.

He said that as early as last year, they submitted the request with Public Works Secretary Rogelio Singson.

However, a source from the DPWH said that literally, there are hundreds of other bridges planned to be repaired this year.

The source said there is still the possibility that the four old hanging bridges might be repaired by summer.