SOGOD, Southern Leyte, Nov. 23 (PNA) -– The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) field office in this province is proposing PHP111.5 million budget to pilot a project that would completely prevent rock falls and soil erosion, utilizing Swiss technology.
The DPWH-Southern Leyte District Engineering Office (SLDEO) would be the first district office in Eastern Visayas to pilot road slope stabilization control system developed by Swiss firm, Geobrugg.
District Engineer Ma. Margarita C. Junia said they are proposing to pilot a section in Barangay Kahupian in Sogod town for the stabilization control project in the most critical section, which has an ascending roadway and multiple blind curves.
The technology, according to Junia, has been used as permanent solution to geohazards in other parts of the country under the Technical Cooperation Projects of the Japan International Cooperation Agency.
“We would like to recommend the use of the said technology, so that once and for all, the problem involving rock falls and soil erosions on mountain ranges within our area of jurisdiction would be solved,” Junia explained.
SLDEO is proposing to install the stabilization control system in 30,400 square meters area in Sogod town, with a total funding requirement of PHP425.6 million.
Junia said the vulnerability of the area to falling rocks and landslides justifies the application of this technology. Early this year, a road slip and landslide hit the road section, which cost PHP96 million to restore the highway.
“I will work hard to make this project come true. The condition of our national road really needs this technology,” the lady engineer added.
Recently, the SLDEO commissioned a survey in Kahupian village and gathered some engineers and road workers to familiarize the technology.
Based in Switzerland, Geobrugg is the world leader in the design and fabrication of protection systems using high-tensile steel wire mesh and netting.
Their systems provide highly sustainable solutions for securing unstable slopes or for strengthening existing retaining structures, shotcrete walls, and other conventional materials.
It also secures loose rocks, blocky rocks, rock spurs, overhangs or unstable rock formations with highly irregular surface structures.
Included in the project is the installation of erosion control mat with a three dimensional structure for successful revegetation. (PNA)