Consolacion bridge project nearing completion

CEBU, Philippines – The construction of the Cansaga Bay Bridge in the town of Consolacion and its approaches, which are part of the Cebu North Coastal Road Project is almost a third complete.

Data from the implementing agency, the Department of Public Works and Highways shows that as of last April 25, the contractor, Manila-based Ciriaco Corp. accomplished 15.54 percent from the period of March 25 to April 25 which is way ahead of the target scheduled completion for the same period.

DPWH awarded the said project last December 2, 2008 and the winning contractor started the construction eight days later. It is expected to be completed in August 2010.

It can be recalled that during the visit of President Gloria Arroyo to Cebu last January 12, she reprimanded DPWH Secretary Hermogenes Edbane Jr. and Press Secretary Cerge Remonde, who was then the chief of the Presidential Management Staff over the delayed completion of the CNCRP.

The president got irked which prompted her to visit the site which was not supposed to be part of her official itinerary.

The project was delayed when the original design of the project was redesigned as a result of the rising cost of construction materials and there were no takers when the project was bidded out last year.

The Cebu North Coastal Road Project is one of the components of the Industrial Corridor Link of Cebu Province, other sections are included under the Metro Cebu Development Project II and III. Once completed this road project will improve the infrastructure facilities especially in Mandaue City and towns of Consolacion and Liloan which are now being considered as an alternative business investment areas because Cebu City is now a congested business metropolis.

The CNCRP is divided into two packages, Package 1 includes Phase one and two.

Phase 1 involves the civil works in preparation for the construction of bridge and approaches, which was already completed while Phase 2 includes the construction of the Cansaga Bay Bridge and its approaches.

Phase 2 includes the construction of roads including the Suba Bridge, Tayud Underpass and Pedestrian Overpass. -Mitchelle L. Palaubsanon/BRP (THE FREEMAN)