Edener Benitez Fabella
13 Oct 2007

 

 

Re: NEW HANGING BRIDGE

What’s wrong with this picture anyone care venture a guess? The article didn’t report how the project was financed. Whether through LGU shares, new taxes, pork barrel funds, foreign grant or other means, will you not agree, citizens of Minien and Leet Santa Barbara deserves better?

Here’s the problem. Tarzan had long given up travelling using tree vines and King Kong has since retired from the circus. Yet, here we are in the 20th century trying to get from point A to point B through a hanging bridge can you beat that?

Picture this and you will wonder no more where the word ‘lemon’ came from. Just imagine, on stormy wind fraught nights with rampaging waters below, do you think the same politicians will be brave enough to cross it to check the welfare of constituents? But that is exactly what they are subjecting locals if they try crossing it under extreme weather conditions?

It is not only a hanging bridge, it is also one where lives will be hanging on like it is the last bridge to cross your last hurrah if you will.

While still on the subject of bridges, there was an article not long ago about a new bridge in another part of the province. If memory serves me correctly, inauguration was attended by no less than Asia’s Iron Lady Ms. Jose Pidal. I’m glad the bridge did not collapse despite the weight from the enchanted kingdom kibitzers.

Don’t you think it is time for young fresh engineers to take over the helms at DPWH? This is neither discounting nor disparaging dedications, services and contributions from old-timers.

There is a time, however, when they should recognize the country’s need for newer blood, dimensions and ideas if we are to become a first world?

We citizens naturally, are thankful each time projects like roads and bridges are completed. Problem is, again, we are in the 20th century and so we ask; why must bridges erected in our country continue resembling ‘The Bridge on the River Kwai’? Surely, with all the modern marvel around the globe via engineering designs and feats, we should be able to do something better do you not agree?

Filipinos have the right to demand better and safe public infrastructures. We should not be happy with mediocrity specially when it is our wallets being picked on every time.

There’s a new saying – ‘kung hindi nila kaya, oras na para patalsikin sila’!