Typhoon, mangroves delay bridge projects

CEBU - The Department of Public Works and Highways-7 blamed the Typhoon Frank and the mangroves that encroached into the road leading to the project sites for the delay in the construction of two Austrian-assisted bridge projects in San Remigio town.

This was known following the query of Cebu fourth dist. Rep. Benhur Salimbangon and the town’s officials on why the projects have been delayed.

The construction of Kinawahan Bridge along Antonio Y. de Pio Highway amounting to P24.9-million was started on November 2, 2007. Undertaken by ARN Builders, it was supposed to be completed on May 29 this year.

The construction of another bridge, Lambusan Bridge, along the same highway was started last January 27 and it was supposed to be completed on August 23. Its contractor is the WTG Construction and Development Corporation.

Both bridges are under the DPWH Bridge Reconstruction/Replacement Program.

In the project profile sent to Salimbangon, DPWH-7 project manager Buenaventurada Pajo explained that the expiry date of the projects is subject to change upon the request of the contractor.

The contractors of the projects reportedly requested for the suspension of the works due to the repair works of dilapidated bridges leading to the project sites whose structural stability was weakened when Typhoon Frank hit Cebu last June.

DPWH-7 is now also coordinating with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources-7 for the conduct of inventory of mangroves in the area. — Gregg M. Rubio/LPM (THE FREEMAN)