Austria-aided bridge program in high gear

The Austria-assisted bridge-building program of the Arroyo administration shifts to high gear with 41 currently nearing completion, 33 more about to start construction in various parts of the country, and 125 others still on the drawing board.

So far, eight Waagner Biro modular bridges using Austrian technology have been inaugurated, the latest of which was formally opened last week in the hinterland barangay of Tagbarus in Maco, Compostela Valley.

The rest were installed in San Miguel, Bulacan; Santiago City in Isabela; Tangub City; Abra; Camarines Norte and Batangas.

Nine more will be built in certain towns in Pangasinan, Cagayan, Zambales, Zamboanga del Sur, Zamboanga del Norte and Kidapawan City.

Austrian Ambassador Christian Krepela, assisted by Compostela Gov. Jose Caballero and Maco Mayor Miller Alaba, led ribbon-cutting rites at the opening of the rehabilitated Tagbarus bridge.

Also present were Waagner Biro executive Helmut Wuzela and Department of the Interior and Local Government director for special projects Normando Toledo and regional director Romeo Jardenico.

The DILG officials underscored the relevance of the bridge program, saying the structures would spur the social and economic development of the host areas and help push the government’s anti-poverty campaign.