By Erlinda Olivia P. Tiu
CARIGARA, Leyte, Nov 21 (PIA) -- Who would have thought that the bunot (coco husk/coco coir), a by-product of the coconut tree, has a far more useful thing than shining floors? The Department of Public Works-Region 8 is all set to install coconets, along a 20-kilometer (km) road stretch in Capoocan, Leyte following a major landslide in said road section.
District Engineer Margarita Junia said the Department is optimistic that the coconets will solve the problem of unstable slopes, particularly in Barangay Culasian in Capoocan, along the Palo-Carigara-Ormoc Road.
“We have earlier identified the road section for the putting up of coconets but no funding was released because it is not along the national road. With the Ofel-induced landslide there, it was proven that the area badly needs the project. This is applicable to mountain sides of Barangay Culasian,” Junia said.
The road section was closed to traffic for five hours since midnight of October 25 due to major landslides following days of heavy downpour brought about by tropical storm Ofel in the province.
Instead of concrete creek sides and embankments, coconets made from coconut husks will be used to prevent landslides, Junia explained.
Coconets are derived from the fibrous husks of coconuts. The fiber extracted from discarded coconut husks, which is commonly called coco coir, has to undergo further twining and weaving for it to become a geotextile.
Under the system, cocofiber nets are laid on the eroded area and initially, grasses are planted. The coco fiber will hold the grasses that will prevent the land from eroding and being washed away during rainfall. After about three to six months, vegetation can already be seen. This will make the soil more stable.
Aside from the application of coconets, the DPWH is also building road slips protection structures in Capoocan, Leyte.
Just this year, at least six road slips protection projects were completed, Junia said. (PIA 8)