Salimbangon asks DPWH to explain delay of projects

CEBU, Philippines – Cebu fourth district Rep. Benhur Salimbangon yesterday called on the attention of the officials of the Cebu First Engineering District of the Department of Public Works and Highways after he learned that the construction of the several infrastructure projects in his district were delayed.

Salimbangon said the constructions of four steel bridges in his district that are supposed to be implemented last year were not yet implemented.

These bridges, with total budget of P80 million, or P20 million each, will be constructed in the towns of San Remegio and Tabuelan.

Mario Montejo, district engineer of the CFED, said the projects have still to be issued notices to proceed before the winning contractors can start their constructions. He said these were supposed to be implemented last year but the delay in the release of the funds has stalled their construction.

Salimbangon also said that he already filed a bill at the House of Representatives for a P400-million worth special appropriations that will be used for concreting and rehabilitation of roads and schools and other infrastructure projects in the fourth district.

According to him, the bill is now pending before the House committee on appropriations and will be due for discussion within the month.

Furthermore, Salimbangon said he also asked for the release of another P200 million for the restoration and rehabilitation of roads and other infrastructures that were badly hit by typhoon Frank last year specifically in the towns of San Remegio, Medellin, Daanbantayan, Sta. Fe, Bantayan and Madredijos.

Montejo said the P20-million worth Maya-Daanbantayan access road was also bidded out last week and the completion of the project is expected in four months.

Earlier, Salimbangon has briefed President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo about the rehabilitation/construction of Bogo-Curva-Medillin-Daanbantayan-Maya Road, which is already 75 percent completed as of January 10, 2009.

The P39,243,905.54-million worth infrastructure project has a total length of 2,698 meters and complements the Nautical Highway Program of President Arroyo that will also greatly contribute in the tourism industry because Northern Cebu is known for its coastal resorts and island beaches, according to Salimbangon. — Mitchelle L. Palaubsanon/WAB (THE FREEMAN)