DPWH kicks off work of 53 projects in Southern Leyte programmed for 2016

MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, Feb. 29 (PNA) – At least 53 of the 84 regular projects programmed for 2016 are now ongoing in Southern Leyte, ahead of the rainy season and ban on public works in connection with this year’s election period.

Department of Public Works and Highways Southern Leyte District Engineering Office Chief Engr. Ma. Margarita C. Junia said the early kick off of construction works can be attributed to timely completion of bidding process for the 84 infrastructure projects intended for 2016.

Junia said the authority given by Secretary Rogelio Singson for the district to approve projects with allocations of PHP50 million and below, has paved the way for more effective and expeditious preparation activities.

This allows the DPWH field office to proceed with the construction of majority of projects within the first two months of the year.

“This is a milestone in the history of DPWH Southern Leyte as we worked hard to ensure that construction works are up and running early of the year,” Junia added.

Of the 53 ongoing projects, 47 are bridges, which is up for major rehabilitation this year. 

These are bridges of Liloan, Magaupas, Magkasag, Mayuga, Nahaong, Agogong, Awayon, Biliran, Bonbon, Caaga, Calayugan, Calian, Candatag, Canluwis, Canlupao, Cantamuac, Canumay, Casao, Concepcion, Dinahugan, Higusoan, Hilogtogan, Hipgasan, Iniguihan.

Also up for rehabilitation are bridges of Looc, Mag-ata, Mahalo, Mapait, Maslog 1, Maslog 2, Padre Burgos, Pintuyan 1, Pintuyan 2, Sagbok, San Joaquin, San Jose, San Ricardo, San Roque, San Vicente, Sangaahon, Son-ok, Sta Cruz 1, Sta. Cruz 2, Sudmon, Timba, and Villa Jacinta.

“Some of these bridges have been existing since 1970s. There’s really a need for these bridges to undergo major rehabilitation,” Junia added.

Other ongoing projects are off carriageway improvements along the boundary of Maasin-Macrohon-Sogod and Liloan-San Ricardo Road sections; rehabilitation of drainage in some portions of highway from Maasin to Sogod; repair of collapsed portion of Bato-Bontoc Road; rehabilitation of road with slips in Maasin City; and construction of alternative road along the saddle area along Liloan-San Ricardo Road.

The DPWH field office rushed the bidding of these projects to ensure early start and completion. 

This also allowed the government to award the project to contractor prior to the election ban on public works from March 25-May 8.

Under the Omnibus Election Code, among the prohibited acts is the construction of public works, delivery of materials for public works, and issuance of treasury warrant or similar devices for a future undertaking chargeable against public funds.

The DPWH-SLDEO has been preparing to apply for exemption of public works ban for ongoing projects. (PNA)
BNB/SQM/DPWH SOUTHERN LEYTE-PR