Ormoc road concreting awaits environmental permit

ORMOC CITY, Leyte, Jan. 9 (PNA) -- The development of the Gaas-Quezon Jr. road in this city hit a snag as the environment permit that would allow construction works to cut through a forested area is not yet approved.

The permit would allow the Department of Public Works and Highways 4th Leyte District Engineering Office (DEO) to clear almost 3,000 trees.

Since the project’s inauguration on July 13, 2016, the district office has completed 54 percent of the scope of work, having concreted 800 meters on both ends of the road and some critical sections.

The project aims to cut travel time significantly between the two remote villages of Gaas and Quezon Jr. to a 15-minute motorcycle ride.

Concreting the entire nine-kilometer stretch will require PHP270 million. But with the current project contract of PHP140 million, only the critical portions estimated at two kilometers will be paved and the rest will be opened to an all-weather unpaved road.

For this reason, the DPWH might tap additional funding from other agencies such as the Tourism Department considering the project, once completed, will be a vital link in going to Lake Danao and Lake Kasudsuran, Ormoc’s main attractions. (PNA)
LAP/SQM/FELIX N. CODILLA