Flyover contractor asks for two weeks

CEBU - The contractor of the P140-million flyover in barangay Banilad yesterday admitted that it could not completely finish the structure by September 5, the target date it had earlier set to deliver the project.

With this, officials of WTG Construction and Development Corp. asked for another two weeks for the 390-meter flyover to be completely done.

This is the second time that the contractor asked for extension after it failed to meet the original target date that was set last July 31.

Engr. Christopher Semilla, the spokesman of the WTG Construction, appeared before the Cebu City Council yesterday informing the councilors that they are still in a hurry doing the structure’s drainage systems, side railings, lamp posts and the approach.

Semilla said they are even using other kind of additives that would help make the cement dry faster compared to the natural way of curing the cement that allows at least three weeks before it will be used.

If the contractor is able to meet its September 15 target, it would mean that the two-way lane structure will be passable only to vehicles one month after.

Some of the councilors, particularly Augustus Pe Jr., already seemed upset by the failure of WTG Construction to comply with its assurance to deliver the project as soon as possible because further delay in the completion will also prolong the agony of the motorists.

When Pe, in a high-toned voice, asked Semilla if he is sure that the flyover would be finally completed and passable to vehicles by October 15, Semilla said “It could be before October 15, but it could also be later.”

But even if the WTG Construction failed to meet its earlier target date of completion, it claimed it is still on track because the original contract it has signed with the Department of Public Works and Highways for the project’s construction is 10 months.

The delay in the DPWH’s acquisition of the road right of way have resulted to the failure of the contractor start its job on time.

Semilla told the councilors that once the construction of the flyover is finally completed, they may again face another problem that could delay the widening of the roads beside the flyover.

Until now, he added there are still some posts owned by the Visayan Electric Company and other telecommunication firms that remain standing in the place where the roads are to be constructed.

“We are still coordinating with the concerned public utility companies through the DPWH for the pull out of said posts,” Semilla said. — Rene U. Borromeo/WAB