DPWH-Biliran fast-tracks unfinished 2016 projects

 NAVAL, Biliran, Feb. 18 (PNA) -- The Department of Public Works and Highways' (DPWH) Biliran district engineering office is speeding up the completion of 2016 carryover projects within the first quarter of this year.

As of last Jan. 31, DPWH-Biliran has completed 63 projects, and is finishing another three.

The district has been allocated PHP683.74 million under the 2016 DPWH infrastructure program.

Of the amount, PHP135 million was spent by the DPWH regional office to rehabilitate a section of the Maripipi Circumferential Road.

Some district offices, including the one in Biliran, have only been allowed to implement projects worth less than PHP50 million. Projects that cost more than the amount are implemented by the DPWH regional office.

DPWH-Biliran district engineer, David Adongay, reported that two major projects are ongoing -- the PHP45 million slope protection project along the Biliran Circumferential Road and the PHP43 million construction of the Biliran diversion road, with an accomplishment of 62 percent and 58 percent, respectively as of January 31.

According to Adongay, the construction of the slope protection along the Biliran Circumferential Road has encountered some problems caused by lapses on the part of the contractor and unfavorable weather conditions.

The diversion road will serve the traveling public coming from Tacloban City, Ormoc City, Baybay City and from other neighboring towns going to the northern and eastern part of Biliran province, and make the transport of goods and services faster and safer.

The population to be served by the road ranges from 120,000 to 135,000 in seven towns and 50 villages.

Another 2016 project eyed for completion is the PHP8.7 million replacement of permanent weak bridges Banlas bridge along the Maripipi Circumferential Road.

The delay was attributed to the unavailability of sand and gravel aggregates in Maripipi Island.

Adongay said the contractors of the projects were advised to render overtime to complete the projects on the target date.(PNA)
CVL/SQM/DPWH-PR/EGR