Residents of Imus, Cavite, are raising concerns over a P14-million footbridge project completed in 2014 that has failed to serve its intended purpose due to non-functional elevators. The elevated walkway, designed to facilitate pedestrian movement with elevators at both ends, has become a source of frustration for the local community.
A report by Emil Sumangil on “24 Oras” highlighted the dismay of the residents who lamented the waste of the substantial investment, as the footbridge’s elevators remain inoperable. Visible signs of disrepair such as damaged doors and missing screws further exacerbate the issue.
The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Cavite First District Engineering Office acknowledged shortcomings in the project’s turnover process back in 2015. The untimely passing of the former head of the office, who oversaw the project, has contributed to the current state of neglect.
Nolasco Madalangbayan, officer-in-charge at the DPWH 1st DEO, admitted to lapses on their part and extended an apology for the oversight and subsequent neglect of the facility. Despite acknowledging the issue, the DPWH district engineering office cited a lack of funds for necessary repairs, leaving the elevators non-functional and the footbridge underutilized.
In response to the safety concerns, Madalangbayan assured that measures would be taken to secure the elevator doors and prevent potential accidents. The elevator shafts have been covered as a temporary solution while the community awaits a more permanent resolution to fully realize the potential of the P14-million investment in their public infrastructure.