DPWH asks MMDA for more time to repair Buendia flyover

MANILA, Philippines - A Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) official said yesterday they will ask the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) to allow them to extend the period they are supposed to finish the repair of the Buendia flyover in Makati City.

DPWH Undersecretary Romeo Momo said last weekend’s rains hampered the second round of repairs of the flyover and they may go beyond the Dec. 12 moratorium on all road repairs in the metropolis.

“We will talk to (MMDA) Chairman (Francis) Tolentino about it and make an appeal. Our request is only intended for this particular project,” he said. “We hope that MMDA can only allow us to work on the project until Dec. 15.”

The DPWH had to redo the repairs on the flyover after discovering that the asphalt used was substandard.

The government spent P87 million to rehabilitate the 35-year-old overhead structure. The contractor, Tokwing Construction, did the repairs from May 6 to Aug. 28. Within a few days after the flyover was opened, the flyover developed potholes inches deep.

This prompted DPWH Secretary Rogelio Singson to shut down the flyover and order Tokwing to redo the project, and shoulder the expenses for the correction.