DPWH-Biliran fast-tracks unfinished 2016 projects

NAVAL, Biliran (PNA) — The Department of Public Works and Highways’ (DPWH) Biliran district engineering office is speeding up the completion of 2016 carry over projects within the first quarter of this year.

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

The district has been allocated 1683.74 million under the 2016 DPWH infrastructure program. Of the amount, 1135 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 150 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 145million slope protection project along the Biliran Circumferential Road and the 143-million construction of the Biliran diversion road, with an accomplishment of 62 percent and 58 percent, respectively as of Jan. 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.

Another 2016 project eyed for completion is the 18.7-million replacement of permanent weak bridges –the Banlas bridge along the Maripipi Circumferential Road.

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