To ensure public safety and immediately address potential hazards, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Northern Samar Second District Engineering Office (NSSDEO) – District Inspectorate Team (DIT), led by OIC-Assistant District Engineer Francisco Y. Tañala, conducted an inspection and evaluation on October 16, 2025, of the two elevated steel water tanks located at the Palapag town public plaza, upon the instruction of District Engineer Atty. Arthur Eric L. Sabong. Prior to the directive, the Local Chief Executive of Palapag, N. Samar, Hon. Fawa A. Batula, sought assistance from the District Office to inspect and evaluate the structural integrity of the said tanks, which were identified as possible risk to public safety. The request was made as a proactive measure by the Local Chief Executive to prevent any untoward incident or potential damage to lives and property.
The said inspection was jointly conducted with the presence of Mayor Batula, the Municipal Engineer and the Municipal Administrator. During the inspection, the inspectorate team observed that the two elevated steel water tanks structures exhibited extensive corrosion, rusting, and deformation of the primary and secondary steel members. The team also noted visible signs of material fatigue and deterioration affecting the stability of the supporting framework. Even in the absence of water load, the tanks were observed to be highly deteriorated and in an unstable condition, posing potential hazard to the public.
According to OIC-ADE Tañala, the immediate inspection was conducted as matter of urgency. He shared that the inspectorate team has strongly recommended to the Honorable Mayor of Palapag the immediate demolition and removal of the two elevated water steel tanks due to their deteriorated condition. He further emphasized that the area should be immediately cordoned off to restrict public access and prevent any possible injury or accidents until demolition activities are completed.
The District Office supports the initiative of the LGU of Palapag for its prompt action to safeguard its constituents. Furthermore, the inspectorate team advised the concerned LGU to maintain close coordination with the district office for the provision of necessary technical assistance in the proper execution of demolition and, if applicable, reconstruction.
Thus, the District Office reaffirmed the Department’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding the public and in supporting sustainable community development.
(JOEMAR M. PATILAN/PR)
