ROAD HAZARD. Metro Manila Development Authority personnel cordon off the sinkhole at the east-bound side of Sales Road near Villamor Air Base Gate 3 in Pasay City on Sunday (April 14, 2024). As of Monday morning (April 15), the area remains closed to motorists while it is being repaired by the Department of Public Works and Highways. (Photo courtesy of MMDA)
MANILA – Water concessionaire Maynilad and its contractors should be penalized for the huge sinkhole that appeared in Sales Road, Pasay City on Sunday, reportedly caused by a leak from a pipeline.
Senator Ramon Revilla Jr., who chairs the Committee on Public Works, said in a news release Monday that there must be accountability and proactive measures from service providers to prevent similar incidents.
They should also ensure regular inspection and maintenance of their projects.
“Dapat mapanagot ang Maynilad at ang mga contractors nila dito (Maynilad and their contractors should be held accountable). The sinkhole, measuring 2 by 3 meters and 8 to 10 feet deep, poses danger to motorists and nearby residential properties and buildings, including the foundation of the NAIAX (Ninoy Aquino International Airport Expressway) elevated highway,” Revilla said in a statement.
“Ilang beses na tayo nakakatanggap ng report na may pumutok na pipe sa ganito, minsan nagdudulot pa ng baha at nakaka-abala. Dapat bago pa lang magkaroon ng leak, na-check na. Tuloy-tuloy dapat ang inspection at maintenance (We have received several reports of a pipe exploding, that sometimes even caused flooding and inconvenience. Before a leak occurs, it should have been checked already. Inspection and maintenance should be continuous),” Revilla said.
The Metro Manila Development Authority closed a portion of Sales Road while repairs are ongoing.
As of Monday morning, both lanes of the eastbound side of Sales Road near Villamor Air Base Gate 3 remained cordoned off, with counterflow measures in place. (PNA)
