PNCC admits it lacks funds to repair viaduct

The Philippine National Construction Company (PNCC) has admitted that it lacks the funds to rehabilitate the Alabang viaduct, a statement from the Muntinlupa City government said.

A public hearing was conducted last May 3 participated in by PNCC chairman Luis Sison, Muntinlupa Mayor Jaime Fresnedi, and the Confederation of Truckers’ Associations in the Philippines (CTAP).

According to the statement, Fresnedi has repeatedly asked the PNCC to conduct repairs on the viaduct, said to be presently in bad condition, making it unsafe and dangerous to motorists.

But the PNCC reportedly told Fresnedi that repairing the bridge would cost some P500-million and will require complete closure of the bridge. However, the agency said it lacks the funds for the viaduct’s rehabilitation.

The statement continued, PNCC recommended the construction of new support columns and two additional lanes for trucks which reportedly would cost much less. The city government, however, expressed its reservations about the suggested repair because work will take more than a year, which would contribute to the already horrendous traffic situation under the viaduct.

At the public hearing, the parties also agreed to defer city ordinance 01-035 prohibiting cargo trucks weighing 20 tons or more from using the national road from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. – Nikko Dizon