Newly reconstructed ₱50-M bridge reconnects 4 EBM brgys; revitalizes town’s economic opportunities

The four barangays in E. B. Magalona that were ravaged and temporarily separated by Super Typhoon “Yolanda” in 2013 are now reconnected with the reconstruction of the ₱50-million Nanca-Cudangdang Bridge, resulting to the revitalization of the town’s economic opportunities, according to the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).

Undertaken by the DPWH Negros Occidental 1st District Engineering Office, the newly reconstructed bridge now reconnects the barangays of Nanca and Cudangdang, and the neighboring barangays of Tanza and Tabigue, as reported by OIC-District Engineer Dene Baldongado Jr.

DPWH-6 Regional Director Nerie Bueno said the reconstruction of the bridge is vital in the transport of products from local communities to the market, and providing linkage among communities.

“The reconstruction of this bridge provides direct access among sugarcane-hauling trucks from the barangays of Nanca, Cudangdang, Tanza, and Tabigue to the sugar mill in the neighboring city of Victorias, hence, improving the economy and livelihood of the people in local communities,” Bueno said.

“The new bridge will likewise provide approximately 11,000 residents with a safer and quicker mode of crossing Malogo River instead of using [a] small barge as means of crossing, which posed danger during typhoons and rainy days,” Bueno added.

Funded under the District’s FY 2020 General Appropriations Act (GAA), the ₱50-million project involves construction of new 75-lineal meter Pre-Stressed Concrete Girder (PSCG) bridge with an area of 572 square meters with grouted riprap as slope protection, and construction of 960-meter concrete approaches on both sides.

“Bridge is a vital transportation and economic infrastructure towards economic growth and transport linkage. With the reconstruction of Nanca-Cudangdang Bridge, the once disturbed economic activities in the local communities in E.B. Magalona will be revitalized, which would hopefully open new economic opportunities for the whole town,” Bueno emphasized.* (Via E. B. MAGALONA PIO)