Upgrading of South Leyte's alternative road underway

MAASIN CITY, Sept. 13  --  Shorter and smoother travel from Malitbog town to this city is expected in the near future with the upgrading of the Lonoy -Tigbawan- Santa Cruz, Malitbog Road in Southern Leyte now underway.

The Department of Public Works and Highways-Southern Leyte district engineering office (DPWH-SLDEO) reported that as of end of August 2017, the concreting of some sections of the alternative road is already 67 percent complete.

The road works, which is 22 percent ahead of accomplishment timetable, have started last April.

“We are fast-tracking the construction of this project because once we finish this alternate route, 

travel distance from Malitbog to Maasin City will be decreased by approximately 18 to 20 kilometers,” said District Engineer Ma. Margarita C. Junia.

The PHP100 million project is primarily funded through the Local Infrastructure Program of Southern Leyte Governor Damian Mercado and Rep. Roger Mercado considering that it is still categorized as provincial road.

Currently, Malitbog town can be reached from this city through a 60-kilometer drive passing the coastal highway.

Aside from better access between Malitbog and the provincial capital, the concreting of the six meter-wide provincial road will also unlock economic opportunities in rural communities covered by the project.

Malitbog is one of the major suppliers of farm products to Maasin, where government offices, schools, big shops, and banks are located.

“This road is often utilized by residents from interior villages, making the road busy. Concrete paving will provide smoother traffic and prevent minor accidents, hence, keeping drivers and their passengers’ safe,” Junia said.

Aside from road concreting project, the infrastructure will also install road signs and safety devices along the bypass road to ensure safety of travelers.

“We, at the department, do not only construct roads for convenience but also for protection of lives and properties,” the district engineer added.

The DPWH will also install cross drainage, line ditches, and slope protection structures. (PR)