The footbridge in Rio Hondo, Zamboanga where government officials fell, as it was shown in viral video, has been reconstructed.
The footbridge in Zamboanga where several government officials fell last April 26 has been reconstructed.
It can be recalled that the video showing Negros Occidental Rep. Alfredo Benitez, Zamboanga City Rep. Celso Lobregat, Zamboanga City Mayor Maria Isabelle Climaco-Salazar and their companions for their inspection of the housing project for war victims fell into murky water as the footbridge in Barangay Rio Hondo collapsed.
It was the only way connecting Barangay Rio Hondo and Mariki that is why residents there were obligated to use bangka for their transportation.
Based on the report in ABS-CBN, there have been several incidents wherein residents fell into the murky water because the footbridge collapsed.
After the said accident, now the footbridge in Zamboanga was reconstructed but residents said that it is better if it was concrete instead of wood.
According to Congressman Benitez he will conduct House inquiry regarding the failure in Zamboanga Road Map Recovery and Reconstruction Program of the government.
“One of the reasons why we look for substandard is to hold people accountable and we have to address safety,” Benitez said.
The Local Government Unit stated that they are currently addressing the said issue.
“There was a period that we had the housing unit stopped because we discovered some substandard materials and the contractors rectified in some areas,” Zamboanga City Mayor Salazar said.
National Housing Authority (NHA) promised to make sure the standard of the project before it will be turned over to the LGU.
According to NHA General Manager Marcelino Escalada, Jr., after their agency turn over the project to the local government, contractors must be held liable even 5 to 10 years after.
For the residents of Zamboanga, it is vital for them that their houses will be constructed properly because they have nowhere to go to, based on the report.