Capitol bids out P566M worth of infra projects

The provincial government yesterday began the public bidding of over half-a-billion worth of infrastructure projects, the contracts of which are set for awarding before March 31 so that it could still be implemented even during the election period.

The Capitol's Bid and Awards Committee had published yesterday, in the local papers, the invitation for eligibility to bid for the infrastructure projects, amounting to over P566.6 million, in all districts of Cebu province.

These projects are: 1) asphalting of provincial roads totaling P495.6 million; 2) construction of 18 bridges (P50.8 million); 3) repair, improvement and construction of 13 district hospitals (P8.5 million); 4) construction of waterworks system (P5.9 million); 5) repair, improvement and construction of public buildings (P3.6 million); and 6) construction of riprap structures (P2.2 million).

Provincial Engineer Eulogio Pelayre said these projects are part of the continuing program of Governor Gwen Garcia that she promised to accomplish since she assumed office in 2004.

For the asphalting of provincial roads, Pelayre said the P495-million total budget covers a total of 154.5 kilometers, which would exceed the 100-kilometer annual target of the governor.

There are seven contract packages under this, the biggest of which is Package 2, amounting to close to P147 million to cover 18 sites in the second district.

For the construction of bridges, Capitol's P50.8 million is intended for the building of 21 bridges-four in the first district, one each in the second and third districts, six in the fourth district, and nine in the fifth district.

For the repair and construction of 13 district hospitals, worth P8.5 million, Pelayre said the biggest allocation would be for the Sogod District Hospital amounting to over P1.3 million.

For the repair and construction of public buildings, the project covers also more classrooms for the second, third and fourth districts for a total cost of over P3.6 million. The biggest budget in this would be for the San Remigio Central School worth over P700,000.

The construction of waterworks systems covers six sites, the biggest of which would be in Dumanjug worth over P2 million.

The construction of riprap structures would be in Camotes Islands, Pelayre said. - Cristina C. Birondo