Pulangbato bridge may be one by December

CEBU, Philippines — Following his inspection of the disputed Pulangbato Bridge which prompted the declaration of a state of emergency, Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival Sr., has reopened the discussion on the urgency of finishing the project, emphasizing a possible completion timeline in December.

Yesterday, Archival inspected the Pulangbato Bridge area, where he observed that its foundation had already been completed. In his conversation with the barangay captain, Archival reiterated that this was part of the construction left unfinished by the previous contractor, SBD Builders, the same contractor behind the Cebu City Sports Center track oval.

The contract with the said contractor had already been terminated and the project has since been awarded to a new contractor. As of yesterday, Archival said the latest information he received was that they were only waiting for a Notice to Proceed (NTP) to resume construction.

“Mao nang (NTP) akong tan-awon kay di ta ganahan nga naa nasay sunod nga ma disgrasya kay gahapon naa’y nadisgrasya didto’s Budlaan,” said Archival.

According to Archival, they received information that four hikers got into an accident, with one reportedly drowning. He added that upon checking the area, he found that the public must cross a makeshift hanging bridge made of bamboo to access the nearby school from the upland areas.

“Unya kung dako gani ang tubig, musaka gani ang tubig, maigo g’yud ang bridge,” said Archival.

Today, Archival is scheduled to meet with the Department of Engineering and Public Works (DEPW) for an update on the progress of the contract. He expressed his desire to fast-track the construction of the bridge, noting that it has been a long-standing problem for residents and travelers in the area for nearly 20 years.

Initially, Archival said he would like to first check on the scope of work. He said he intends to set a timeline to complete the project within December.

“Murag pinaskohan nato didto sa mountain barangay,” said Archival, emphasizing that the situation poses risks to the community.

It can be recalled that approximately seven months after Barangay Pulangbato officials urged the Cebu City Government to declare their area under a state of emergency, the Cebu City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council convened to adopt the recommendation.

The Cebu City Government will have to seek the City Council’s approval for emergency procurement, which would allow them to fast-track the halted construction of the reinforced deck girder bridge in Sitio Candarong to Tanay Road.

However, while the Cebu City Council has approved the declaration of a state of emergency for the unfinished Pulangbato Bridge, it has expressed reservations about the emergency procurement this would entail, due to past controversies, including the dismissal of former mayor Michael Rama.

The project was previously awarded to SBD Builders with a contract amounting to ?24,052,580.78. The original project duration was 240 days, beginning on September 15, 2023, with a projected completion date of May 11, 2024.

According to barangay officials, despite a 60-day time extension --which moved the expected completion date to September 30, 2024-- the current work accomplishment is only at 36.02%, resulting in a negative slippage of 63.98% and significant delays in the project’s completion.

Due to these delays, vehicles have been forced to use “unsafe alternative and makeshift routes”, which pose a serious risk to the safety of residents, commuters, and transport operators in Barangay Pulangbato. (CEBU NEWS)