LGUs asked to ban people from living under the bridge

MANILA, Philippines - The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) asked local government units not to allow residents to live under bridges as it could affect the condition of the infrastructure.

The DPWH said in the event that the houses under a bridge catch fire, the heat from the flames could weaken the infrastructure. Even heat from cooking could also affect the bridge.

In a statement, Public Works Secretary Rogelio Singson called on local government officials, particularly barangay leaders, to help prevent the repeat of a recent fire under the Quezon Bridge in Quiapo.

Last April 10, a fire broke out in the shanties under Quezon Bridge, forcing the DPWH to limit the vehicles using the bridge up to a combined weight of 10 tons as a safety precaution.

Bridge experts from the Bureau of Design and National Capital Region (NCR) inspected the Quezon Bridge and found deformation on steel members located at three end bays of the steel truss.

The DPWH-NCR is now preparing a work program to facilitate the repair of damaged bridge components.