By CESAR JOLITO III
The traffic along the national highway at Barangay Bago in Negros Occidental’s Don Salvador Benedicto town remains limited to a single lane following a landslide that struck the area last week, prompting authorities to restrict the passage of heavy vehicles.
Mayor Nehemiah Joe dela Cruz said only light vehicles and light buses are currently allowed to use the affected stretch of road in Purok Agsisibay, which serves as a vital route toward Calatrava town.
Fully loaded trucks, particularly those carrying sugarcane and other heavy cargo, are temporarily barred to prevent further damage.
Dela Cruz said the landslide spans an estimated 50 meters and caused significant destruction, including damage to nearby agricultural areas such as rice fields and pineapple plantations.
Initial assessments place the cost of full rehabilitation between P27 million and P35 million.
‘Band-aid’ solution
Given the scale of the damage, the local government is implementing a temporary or “band-aid” solution to keep at least one lane passable while longer-term plans are being finalized.
Dela Cruz said coordination is ongoing with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) for the next steps, including the possible implementation of alternative routes.
Municipal officials from the engineering office, together with DPWH representatives, personally inspected the site following the landslide, which occurred on February 11.
Authorities noted that cracks in the road had been reported long before the incident, with persistent heavy rains and recent seismic activity believed to have contributed to the slope failure.
Dela Cruz also acknowledged the prompt response of the office of DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon, crediting it for the swift assessment of the affected area.
“For now, one lane is still passable. We are doing everything we can to prevent total damage while ensuring vehicles can still pass safely,” the mayor said, stressing that restrictions on heavy trucks will remain until the road is stabilized./CJ, WDJ