By JAY-AR EMPEÑO

BOTOLAN, Zambales — A bridge that periodically becomes submerged during heavy rains, leading residents here to describe it as “invisible”, will be placed in the priority list for infrastructure projects of the provincial government.

This was the assurance Mayor Jun Omar Ebdane told residents of Brgy. Paco, Botolan, where the bridge is located, following an inspection of the structure with Gov. Hermogenes Ebdane Jr. and Provincial Engineer Domingo Mariano.

“Initially, we saw the need to clear and dredge at the vicinity of the bridge to ensure efficient water flow, because debris brought in by floodwaters tend to accumulate in the area,” Mayor Ebdane said.

“Then there is also the possibility that the structure itself be widened by adding some culverts,” he added.

Residents who met with Gov. Ebdane and other officials during their visit said that the river often overflows during continuous heavy rains.

69-years old Catalina Rabaca, who had lived at Brgy. Paco for four decades, said that when floodwaters reach waist-high, the Paco Bridge becomes “invisible.”

Mayor Ebdane said the provincial government and the Botolan LGU will coordinate to implement rehabilitation works for the Paco Bridge.

Meanwhile, Gov. Ebdane also visited Barangay Cadmang-Reserva in Cabangan town, which was the site of one of the worst flooding in the province during at the height of Typhoon Karding on September 25.

He also personally condoled with the widow of farmer Angel Garcia, a 60-years old male who died when he was swept away by floodwaters. Gov Ebdane also handed his financial assistance to the bereaved family.

The governor made the rounds of the village with Brgy. Capt. Remedios Pelayo and local officials to assess damages wrought by Typhoon Karding, and to plan infrastructure projects.

Among the areas inspected were the earth dike at Cadmang Proper, the Cadmang-Reserva river, bridge at Sitio Reserva, Cadmang-Reserva Bridge, and the Hapa Bayaba area.

Ebdane said the provincial government would prioritize infrastructure facilities needed in the area. ~