Work hastened on bridge linking Bontoc, Banaue

By Imelda U. Sawi

BONTOC, Mountain Province -- The provincial government of Mountain Province through its Provincial Motor Pool Service Office has caused gravelling and backfilling of the Samoki Detour Bridge’s approach sections last Oct. 10-11.

This, after a request from the Bontoc Federated Association of Tricycle Operators and Drivers (BOFATOD) urging Gov. Bonifacio C. Lacwasan, Jr. to use the province’s heavy equipment for the project.

In a letter dated Sept. 24 to the Governor, the BOFATOD requested the use of the province’s heavy equipment to hasten improvement of the Samoki Detour Bridge since it has been observed that the general public and motorists are suffering much inconvenience due to ongoing reconstruction of the Chico Karayan Bridge.

Lacwasan as a result directed the PMPSO to utilize a Lonking Payloader, Volvo Road Grader, Ingersolran Road Roller and two Hyundai and Isuzu dump trucks to help construct the project.

According to engineer Leonardo B. Manangdang, supervising engineer for the province’s heavy equipment, improvement project includes gravelling, backfilling, scraping and compacting of the detour bridge approaches.

“The materials for gravelling and backfilling were hauled from the Bontoc – Mainit Road particularly at the Teng-ab section and some will be hauled from the Sukit area,” he said.

“Hauling of the soil and gravel from the said sites used for the gravelling and backfilling will be beneficial to passersby as said roads will be cleared from unnecessary obstruction caused by the gravel and soil piles from adjacent road sections along the Teng-ab and Sukit roads.”

Meanwhile, Leadway Construction, the contractor of reconstruction of the Chico Karayan Bridge, provided fuel for the heavy equipment.

“We hope that with the show of support of the Provincial Government and the construction firm will be inspired to fast-track the bridge’s construction as this is for the best interest of our people,” Lacwasan said.