DPWH denies abandoning subway project unfinished

CEBU, Philippines - The Department of Public Works and Highways in Central Visayas through the Metro Cebu Development Project yesterday denied accusations that they left the Cebu Subway project unfinished.

MCDP project development officer Rogelio Quibilan said the project was not yet turned over to them by the contractor. Besides, Quibilan said, whatever defects of the project are still covered by the warranty period.

Kajima Construction started the subway project in June 28, 2006 and has not turned over it yet to the DPWH.

In fact, the contractor is continuously conducting maintenance work at the subway considering that there are minor cracks that need repair.

“Before DPWH will issue a certificate of completion or certificate of acceptance, we will inspect the project first,” Quibilan said.

City Traffic Operations Management Board chairman Sylvan “Jack” Jakosalem earlier blamed the DPWH for the recent vehicular accident in the tunnel because it was allegedly left unfinished.

Jakosalem said he was disappointed that the DPWH left the P1.2-billion project incomplete.

The multi-billion infrastructure also known as 3B-2 project, which was inaugurated by former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo in June 30, 2010, was in the limelight after one was killed in a six-vehicle smashup last Tuesday.

The incident prompted CITOM to desire to take over the maintenance and operations of the SRP subway so they can implement measures to regulate its use.

Quibilan said that such suggestion is not far from reality as everything would depend upon their head office whether to approve such request or not.

“Depende na sa head office namo kung musugot ba nga ang CITOM ang mo undertake sa maintenance ug operation sa subway,” he added.  (FREEMAN)