DPWH delay in reconstruction of vital bridge angers Duterte

DAVAO CITY – The long delay in the reconstruction of a vital bridge here has angered Mayor Rodrigo Duterte after it turned out that the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has no funds for the project after all.

Duterte earlier had given the DPWH until December to at least start the reconstruction of the Gov. Generoso Bridge I or else the city government would take over the project.

Duterte admitted getting mad every time the delay in the infrastructure project crosses his mind since traffic has gotten worse in the Bankerohan public market area.

Duterte said he understands that the project is not within the city’s jurisdiction as it is the concern of the national government.

But should the DPWH be not able to start the project by December, Duterte said the city government would take over it.

He said the city government would possibly borrow at least P300 million from a bank to finance the project.

The bridge, which had been in use for more than 50 years, collapsed last April.