It’s been seven years since a bridge in Barangay Pamucutan in Zamboanga City collapsed in 2018 but it has not been replaced since.

Today, residents are forced to use other means to cross the river like an improvised raft made from an old tire and a large basin.

On July 17, 2025, the raft made it possible to bring a pregnant woman about to give birth to the other side of the river.

The woman’s father said he decided to bring his daughter to the hospital before water in the river would rise, considering the persistent rains in recent days.

“Gibuhat nako to kay ang iyang tiyan dako na ba, kay ang tubig, mabasa sa iyang tiyan basig ang bata (maapektuhan) sa sulud sa tiyan,” Jason Rojas said.

Other residents also use the improvised raft.

Rojas, who is also a farmer, said their livelihood has already been affected as transporting their agricultural produce to markets has become difficult.

He called on the government to construct a new bridge.

“Stressed na kaayo mi og hatod sa among mga baligya,” Rojas added.

The city government said plans are already in place to address the problem.

“Ginatan-aw nato ang probability of putting tulay. We will provide the information to our city mayor and for the city council to look into the possibility of already coming up with appropriate funding,” City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO) Head, Dr. Elmeir Apolinario, said.