Contractor to fix N. Bacalso underpass diversion roads

CEBU, Philippines - WT Construction Incorporated, the contractor of the underpass project along the intersection of N. Bacalso Avenue and F. Llamas Street, will start fixing the diversion routes in Tagunol and Ganciang Streets next week.

Cebu City Traffic Operations Chief Francisco “Isko” Ouano told The FREEMAN that they initiated the meeting with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) in order to discuss the issue that caused the stoppage of the second traffic dry run last Thursday due to the failure of the contractor to fix the diversion routes.

DPWH Project Engineer Roy Dela Cruz said that what was discussed in their meeting will be presented before the officers of DPWH-7 and the contractor to decide the specific date for the fixing of the roads.

Dela Cruz explained the contractor earlier failed to patch the bumpy roads because it was not included in the contractor’s responsibilities as stipulated in the contract.

With this, Dela Cruz said they will include the patching of the roads to the contract of WTC, adding they will set aside other funds for it.

They would probably use the DPWH-7’s extra funds this year for the patching activity. 

Other than the patching works, the DPWH-7 would also provide additional signage, if the existing ones will be damaged.

After fixing the diversion routes that is expected to take at least a week or two, the CCTO would automatically proceed with the dry run then start with the construction of the underpass.

Dela Cruz also belied claims of the affected residents of the project that DPWH failed to consult them.

“They were consulted man, impossible kaayo nga wala nato sila gi-inform sa project,” he told The FREEMAN.

Earlier, leaders from Barangays Poblacion Pardo, Inayawan and Mambaling claimed that they were not informed of the project, adding they were not even invited to the stakeholders meeting last week.

The construction of the P638-million underpass project is expected to start in the middle of the month.  It is expected to affect nine barangays which includes Cogon Pardo, Basak San Nicolas, Basak Pardo, Labangon, Punta, Quiot, Labangon, Mambaling and Tisa. (FREEMAN)