Work begins on ‘killer’ Baguio dumpsite wall

By Aileen P. Refuerzo

BAGUIO CITY – Work finally started to repair the Irisan dumpsite retaining wall here which collapsed at the height of typhoon “Mina” in August 2011 which resulted to the death of at least three persons when they were buried by trash and soil.

Mayor Mauricio Domogan said the collapsed wall would be made more sturdy that could withstand strong typhoons and heavy rains which will also stabilize the dump facility preparatory to its conversion into a nature park.

           

The mayor said the fund for the project amounting to P80 million was approved for release by President Benigno S. Aquino III in May last year through the Dept. of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) but the implementation of the project was delayed due to the tedious process required in finalizing the program of work.

           

The said program of work underwent review by the city technical working group composed of engineering experts from the city government and universities here, the Baguio City District Engineering Office, the DPWH-CAR and the DPWH Central Office.

           

The DPWH took charge of implementing the project which the mayor said is expected to be completed before the onset of the rainy season.

           

The program of work for the project was originally prepared by the city engineer’s office based on the plan drawn up by a technical working group composed of engineering experts from the city government and private entities including the engineering departments of top universities here.

Based on the plan prepared by Engr. III Samuel Salvador of the city engineer’s office, the project would cover the following scope of work: structure excavation; cutting of existing pavement; breaking of existing dilapidated pavement; breaking of boulders; base preparation; construction of box culvert, open canal, canal with gratings and pathwalk; concrete pavement; reinforced concrete retaining wall; septic tank; litter fence; reformation, benching and stabilization of slope; grouting works; final cover; gas vents; grouted riprap; suction pump ; manhole; and hauling of materials.

Modifications were made as the program passed through review by the DPWH but the mayor said they hope that the project will be implemented based on its intended purpose of stabilizing the site for its transformation into a greenbelt area.