The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has kicked off a P27 million rock netting project to prevent rock fall along major thoroughfares in the town of San Ricardo, Southern Leyte.
The project, which will utilize Switzerland’s rock protection netting technology, will be installed at Sitio Bil-atan, Barangay Camang, San Ricardo town, where rock slides occur during rainy days.
“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 erosions 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 stability. Aside from rock netting, DPWH also installs stone masonry crib, wall slope protection, and metal guardrails to prevent rock fall. improve
District Engineer Junia said they aim to fast track the project since the road leads to farm-producing communities in the southernmost tip of Leyte Island.
“We have to ensure the safety of the travelling public since this is frequently-used road section. The project will also provide ease to our maintenance workers who won’t have to constantly clear debris from rock slides,” Junia explained.
Aside from the project in San Ricardo, DPWH is also set to commence a similar project near the foundation of the country’s tallest bridge – the Agas-Agas Bridge. | dpwh-pr
