Trucking industry’s support sought in road maintenance

Acting Public Works Secretary Manuel Bonoan is seeking the cooperation of trucking industry in its nationwide road maintenance and development program.

In an interview with reporters, Bonoan said he has invited some organizations in the trucking industry to join the multi-sectoral partnership led by Department of Public Works and Highways and anti-graft body Transparency and Accountability Network (TAN) to promote transparency in implementation of government’s road projects.

Bonoan stressed that the trucking industry has contributed to some serious problems in the country’s roads and bridges, and should therefore participate in infrastructure development programs.

"I have noted that the trucking industry has caused of our problems, which is actually the premature deterioration of pavements because of overloading. This is a very serious problem we are now discussing in our road sector development program."

This premature deterioration of pavements is dangerous as it could lead to collapse of roads and bridges, Bonoan added.

He believes this problem could be prevented through the participation of the trucking sector in road maintenance program, specifically the Bantay Lansangan project that seeks to promote transparent operations in DPWH.

Last week, the DPWH forged an agreement with TAN and stakeholders of government’s infrastructure projects that will allow access to information on implementation of road projects, including assets, value and budget allocations.

TAN chairman Vincent Lazatin believes such partnership would help re-establish the credibility of DPWH, which has been perceived to be among the government’s most corrupt agencies. – Edu Punay