Murcia bridge The project engineer of the Hacienda Binitin Bridge in Murcia that collapsed last week said yesterday that the structure will be re-installed by The structure will be stable by then, Cebu-based Joefrey Decimo of the Department of Public Works and Highways told the DAILY STAR in a telephone interview yesterday.

The steel panel of the bridge, made of pre-fabricated materials, folded up on September 5 when it apparently failed to support the weight of the backhoe that crossed it.

Decimo had earlier said that what happened was a "human error" and they have already investigated the backhoe operator who was not aware that he was not supposed to drive the heavy equipment on the bridge. Murcia Mayor Esteban Coscolluela, who requested for the project under the President's Bridge Program more than three years ago, said the municipal government is monitoring the re-installation work, based on timetable set by the DPWH.

Decimo said yesterday that the working group, led by a foreman, deployed by the contractor to work on the project "miscalculated" the strength of the bridge. The group has already been replaced, he said, but they would still be held liable for the damage. Decimo said the backhoe, along with the broken parts of the bridge, have already been retrieved.

We will replace the materials and have the panel re-installed, he said. Decimo said the construction of the bridge is expected to be finished three weeks after the re-installation is completed.*NLG

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