New bridge to be constructed in Leyte

TACLOBAN CITY, Sept. 27 (PNA) –- A new multi-million bridge is up as a priority project of the Leyte second engineering district (2nd LED) of the Department of Public Works and Highways for 2017.

The new bridge, to be named, Binahaan Bridge along the Jaro-Dagami-Pastrana road, will have more than PHP200 million in fund out of the total PHP1.7-billion budget under the National Expenditure Program for 2017.

The bridge will traverse Binahaan River, a body of water that is a water source for the Leyte Metropolitan Water District (LMWD) for water distribution to the different towns in the province, namely Pastrana, Sta. Fe, Palo, Tanauan, Tolosa, Dagami, Tabon Tabon, Dagami.

The river also irrigates 6,317 hectares of farmland in Leyte.

District Engineer Carlos Veloso said construction of the bridge will just be timely as the changing climate is causing the waters to rise, making passage across the river difficult. The Binahaan River’s estimated terrain above sea level is only one meter.

The project is likewise seen to address the easier transport of goods and livelihood of population living along the river.

The construction of the new bridge will be undertaken under the regular budget of the district for 2017 and will be marked as its new undertaking.

Meanwhile, other projects included in 2017 capital outlay are the widening of bridges along the Palo-Carigara-Ormoc Road, asphalt overlay, reblocking of national roads and flood control system. (PNA)
LAP/SQM/AHLETTE C. REYES/EGR