CEBU, Philippines - Talisay City Mayor Eduardo Gullas wants the foundation of the three Mananga bridges repaired as soon as possible.
Gullas has offered the city government to shoulder the expenses for the needed rehabilitation of the bridges' pillars.
"Ako giingnan ang mga engineer nga nagsige og scour ang tubig, kung dili andaman magrabi na kay ini’g hagba that means million," he said.
The mayor said they do not have to wait for the allocation from the national government to start the rehabilitation because the city government can shell out funds for the needed repairs.
Gullas said he found out that the bridges' foundations needed repairs after a series of inspections he made in flood-prone barangays.
"Ang akong gusto before it becomes delikado ato nang buhaton, kay kun unya pa buhaton unya delikado na, kuyaw na. I will get it from Talisay budget. Mao man gihapon, kitay mogasto kay kung maguba na kita gihapon ang modupa," he said.
Engineer Leslie Anthony Molina, district engineer of the Department of Public Works and Highways, said the rehabilitation of Mananga bridges was among the projects submitted for funding in Manila.
Molina, however, said he could not assure that the budget will be approved. He estimated the rehabilitation to cost P3 million.
According to him, the three bridges across Mananga River are located in Tabunok, Lawaan II and Dumlog.
Molina said the foundations of all these bridges need retro-fitting. He, however, assured the public that the situation is not alarming and that the bridges remain safe. (FREEMAN)