Rehab of old Carpenters Bridge funded by IFCP
City Mayor Jerry Treñas said the rehabilitation of the old Carpenters Bridge in Tabucan, Mandurriao was funded by the Iloilo Flood Control Project. Thus, it should not be used as "parking area" of the Saviour International Hospital.
The old bridge was rehabilitated and will be transformed into a promenade. As soon as it will be finished the bridge would serve as pedestrian lane and a park. No vehicles will be allowed to pass the old bridge.
The Iloilo flood Control Project under Engr. Al Fruto is about to finish the placement of tile blocks to complete the conversion.
Treñas's statement was in response to reports that the promenade, though not yet open to the public, is used by the nearby hospital as parking area for its hospital clients.
The mayor made clear that the hospital management did not contribute any funds for the rehabilitation of the old bridge. It is for public use and not for parking area and private purposes. The clients of the hospital are allowed to park their vehicles in the approach and not in the promenade.
It was former Secretary Rafael Lotilla that recommended to the mayor to have the bridge rehabilitated rather than demolish it considering its historical value. The bridge was constructed during the American regime through a certain Capt. Carpenters. That is how the bridge got its name, said Trenas.
No vehicle must use the area as it might ruin the tile blocks. Passing vehicles must use the new bridge. As part of the city's contribution in the preservation of the bridge, the city will fund for the construction of the benches and the beautification plan. Flowers would be planted along the area.