Villagers' ingenuity help commuters cross Koronadal river

KORONADAL CITY - Enterprising individuals are earning in assisting commuters cross a major bridge here where the bridge was destroyed by flash floods last week.Residents whose farm lots and agricultural products were destroyed by the rampaging flood waters following heavy down pour turned to new sources of livelihood by putting up a floating slabs in transporting commuters across the river.The Namnama bridge served as a vital link from Koronadal City to various outskirt villages and the town of Lutayan in Sultan Kudarat province.Each commuter is charged P5 while tricycles are charged P15 per transport. Residents put up huge nylon cable that serves as guide to operators in crossing from one side of the river to the other. Most of those who cross the river were students and workers from outlying villages. Sally Fariolan, a teacher, said the residents' ingenuity was a big help to daily commuters like her. It may be an added cost but still cheaper as compared to using another and longer route to her school. Agriculture officials said more than P70 million worth of products were damaged by the flash floods. The city has been placed under state of calamity so the local government can use its quick response fund.South Cotabato Gov. Daisy Fuentes said the repair of Namnama bridge could start early next year with fund support from the national government.