Looking After The Water Wall And Steel Bridge

Water wall on the uphill road going to Brgy. Balanga.

Not only they provide link and access among/between two or more political subdivisions, both roads and bridges are essential to economic development of the country, much more of the community. However, due to volatile weather and erratic forces of nature, not to mention the increasing economic activities being carried by these structures, portions of them break down due to wear and tear. Thus, it is important that their maintenance not to be taken for granted. 

Responding to this, Ibaan Municipal's Engineering Department, led by Municipal Engr. Lalen Clet Salagubang and Mr. Ruel Alido,  has initiated and conducted an inspection of the Water Wall at the spill way on the side of Brgy. Balanga (Kabilang Ilog). Obviously, the water wall has eroded of significant volume due to volume of water passing through the spill way more specifically during rainy days. Whilst it requires immediate repairs and attention to maintain the integrity of the structure. 

The damaged steel floor plates of steel bridge in Brgy. Lapu-lapu.

According to MPDO Engr. Mario Samson, the water wall has been there for almost twenty (20) years now and was constructed during the time of former Mayor Nano Toreja. During the earlier years, he has already made the recommendations to have it finished so as not to expose the hollow blocks to water and to protect it more from raging water that erodes it. However, due to some reasons, said recommendations didn't pushed through.

The steel bridge located in Brgy. Lapu-lapu, on the other hand, is also showing signs already of its poor conditions. Constructed between 2001 and 2004, the steel floor plates of the bridge are either broken or cracked already. According to inspecting team, these can be attributed to the increased number of vehicles of enormous weight, including trucks and buses, passing through the bridge. This is further aggravated by the presence of STAR Toll Exit between Brgy. Lapulapu and Brgy. Malainin. 

The said steel bridge used to be made of wood planks.

Anticipating the damages to be brought about by the coming of rainy days, the Engineering Department has immediately lodged and submitted the results of their inspection to Provincial Engineering Office for immediate action. Although the mentioned infrastructures are located in Ibaan, it's the PEO who has the greater responsibility in keeping them in good shape for safer public use.

As of press time, the municipality is still awaiting response from PEO.

More photos of the eroded water wall.

More photos of the worn out steel bridge.