BY RHENJIE MARIE CALANTAS
ILOILO – The Miag-ao local government placed an ambulance on standby at the end of the Oyungan Bridge (on the side going to the town proper) for emergency purposes.
According to the Miag-ao police, this is for easier transport of patients from areas on the other side of the bridge.
A portion of the bridge was damaged by Severe Tropical Storm “Paeng” on Friday night, Oct. 28.
Vehicles are not allowed to pass the bridge as it showed soil collapse and damaged slope protection on approach (right side of the bridge).
People cross the bridge on foot and are transferred to another means of transport to reach their destinations.
Motorcycles, meanwhile, are allowed to cross but must only be pushed with the engine turned; vibrations from motor vehicles could contribute to the instability of the bridge, police said.
People from the town of San Joaquin and province of Antique are also affected.
Meanwhile, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) estimated cost of bridge repair at P132 million.
“This will take 250 calendar days. We will be constructing 120 lineal meters four-span prestressed concrete girder bridge on board pile protection, including slope protection works. As of now a detour is being provided. There will be a 45 lineal meters bailey bridge,” said Oliver Zamora, DPWH Maintenance Division officer-in-charge. (With a report from PNA)/PN
