DPWH-7, Lollypop lead blessing, turnover of new skywalk

CEBU, Philippines — The Department of Public Works and Highwways (DPWH)-7 Sixth Engineering Office, together with Mandaue City Lone District Representative Emmarie “Lolypop” Ouano-Dizon, led the blessing and turnover of the newly-constructed P20 million Maguikay Sudlon Skywalk to Barangay Maguikay yesterday.

It can be recalled that the old skywalk was hit by a refrigerated van damaging the beam of the structure on March 29, 2023. This prompted a road closure to ensure the safety of the commuting public.

On March 31, 2023, the demolition of the skywalk commenced and was completed on April 2, 2023. The road was also reopened to the public.

A bidding process then followed, and on Dec. 27 of the same year, the project for the construction of a new skywalk was awarded to a winning contractor.

By Jan. 5, 2024, the contractor was issued a Notice to Proceed for the project.

"I am happy that finally, the skywalk is now completed. Daghan maka-benefit sa skywalk. Sama sa mga estudyante, ginikanan, trabahante, ug uban pa,” said Ouano-Dizon. "Karon nga naa na skywalk, mas safety na ang motabok nganha'ng dapita. Naay na interview ganina nga inahan nga matud pa niya hapit ma-aksidente ang iyang apo kadtong wala pa nahuman ang bag-ong skywalk."

The P20 million skywalk is funded through the initiative of the congresswoman.

Ouano-Dizon also said the breakdown of the P20 million budget allocation for the skywalk, included the following major scope of works:

• Demolition of the original damaged structure cost -- P2.47 million,

• New column and footings (excavation, elastomeric bearing pads and jointing connections) cost -- P6.37 million,

• Pedestrian bridge frame and trusses cost -- P2.01 million,

• Restoration of existing structures such as road pavement and drainage affected during construction cost --P2.61 million,

• Finishing works (including cement plaster, painting, floor finishes, railings, roofings) cost -- P1.34 million,

• Lighting, solar panel and CCTV cost -- P3.48 million,

• Other miscellaneous works, such as mobilization/demobilization, occupational safety and health program, traffic management cost --P1.08 million, and

• Engineering and administrative overhead (EAO) expenses -- P0.64 million.

She added that the P3.48 million for lighting, solar panel and security cameras were not yet installed. — /JG (FREEMAN)