Destroyed makeshift bridge brings woes to Koronadal residents, students

KORONADAL CITY -- Rampaging waters spawned by moderate toheavy downpour Sunday washed away a makeshift walkway that connects Barangays Namnama and Gen. Paulino Santos.Officials said rising river waters washed away the wooden bridge where makers collect fees on commuters.The incident gave commuters hard time, especially for students who report for classes beginning today. sand//scontent.fceb2-2.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/13407138_1355414084485005_3825199023222262641_n.jpg?oh=14e7d5d994f3a511fbdca34e47b7ba0eandampoe=57CC0EBF The original Namnama bridge in Koronadal City at the height of flash floods in June last year. The structure eventually collapsed.Koronadal City Administrator Cyrus Urbano said the makeshift bridge was not safe for commuters but has done nothing to prevent the people from using the artificial bridge.Locals, both from the side of Barangay Namnama and Gen. Paulino Santos, constructed a makeshift wooden bridge and collect fees for all passing tricycles and light vehicles.The city government said commuters are advised to use longer routes if they complain of the charges collected by the groups of individuals.But residents complained the detour was circuitous and meant additional charges for tricycle fare.When a major government infrastructure is destroyed, it is the duty of the local government unit to construct alternate bridge so the flow of people and transportation continues.The city government of Koronadal allowed several groups to construct and maintain the wooden bridge and collect charges so they have livelihood at the expenses of pity commuters who reside in Barangay Namnama.Residents asked what is the city engineering office doing? Why it cannot make temporary passageway and allow the commuters cross the bridge safely and without charges?Another resident askedandIs this the city government trying to project when it desired to be model city of the Philippines as envisioned by incoming DILG Sec. Mike Sueno?If another bridge collapses in the city, can anyone construct a makeshift bridge and collects from commuters with the green light from Koronadal City hall?Officials have said requests have been forwarded to DPWH-Manila but as to when the construction of new bridge begins remain unknown.