MAASIN CITY – The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has kicked off this week the P27 million rock netting project meant to curb rock fall in San Ricardo, Southern Leyte.
The project, which will utilize Switzerland’s rock protection netting technology, is located in Sitio Bil-atan, Brgy. Camang, San Ricardo town where rock slides occur during rainy days, making the road impassable.
“Erosion and rock slides issues would likely continue if the problem will not be addressed. With this rock netting project, we can lessen the damages incurred by rock fall and soil erosion in the area,” said DPWH Southern Leyte district Engineer Ma. Margarita C. Junia.
Rock netting is used on unstable rock faces and slopes to contain and control rock fall, protect against the effects of erosion, and to improve stability.
Aside from rock netting, other works include installation of stone masonry crib, wall slope protection, and metal guardrails.
DPWH Southern Leyte will fast-track mitigation works in Bil-atan since the road leads to farm-producing communities in the southernmost tip of Leyte Island.
The road section is part of the highway that is being developed into a circumferential road linking San Ricardo and Liloan towns.
The ongoing road opening project is designed to provide buses and big trucks safer routes to Benit port in San Ricardo town instead of traversing the landslide-prone and accident-prone road sections in San Francisco and Pintuyan towns. Benit port is the region’s exit point to Mindanao.
“We have to consider and ensure the safety of the traveling public since many are passing through this road section. Also, whenever there are rock fall, our maintenance workers are having a hard time removing debris and rocks during clearing operations,” Junia said.
Rock netting system is a key element in the design and maintenance of infrastructure networks with direct impact on safety. Rock slope netting is used to safeguard against rock slope failure and progressive degradation.
The DPWH will also kick off next year a similar project dubbed as slope stabilization control system near the foundation of Agas-Agas Bridge to avert a collapse of the country’s tallest bridge. (PR)
