Lawmaker, DPWH must explain asphalt overlay

BACOLOD City Mayor Evelio Leonardia officially asked Wednesday for an explanation from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH)-Bacolod regarding the ongoing asphalt overlay project along Lacson Street.

The mayor said he was surprised to see the asphalt overlay because the roads along Lacson Street are still in good condition.

Lacson Street was built a long time ago and on the best standard and quality of work and offers the smoothest ride in Bacolod, Leonardia said.

He lauded Lacson Street as wide and clean and that its immaculate white colored street beautifies the area.

“This is the reason why Lacson Street is considered as a tourism strip. During MassKara Festival, the people feel and enjoy the comfort of Lacson Street,” he said.

In response to the mayor’s query, DPWH–Bacolod explained, “As the project was about to be implemented, we were in a quandary as to the exact date the equipment and other resources shall be mobilized as weather disturbance ‘Butchoy’ adversely affected our schedule.”

“And in our earnest desire to expedite the implementation of the project, we have inadvertently missed to notify your office prior to the commencement of the same. Thus, an apology is being sought for such lapse in our end,” stated the DPWH’s letter signed by OIC District Engineer Reynaldo Venturina.

According to the mayor, Bacolod City lone district Representative Anthony Golez should also explain as “he has influence over DPWH, considering he is the National Government representative of the City of Bacolod.”

“For us, it's a wrong priority and it is even a waste of money. There are roads that need to be repaired and yet they repaired Lacson Street, which has good roads,” Leonardia said.

“I don't know if it is some kind of a fund-raising,” he said.

The budget for the said asphalt overlay reportedly amounts to P10 million.

“Roads in Sum-ag, Alijis and Circumferential area should have been repaired first, rather than Lacson Street,” Leonardia said.

Meanwhile, the City Council approved Wednesday a resolution authored by Councilor Roberto Rojas requesting Golez and DPWH to undertake precautionary measures on the asphalt overlaying road project.

Rojas said early warning devices and signages must be installed to caution pedestrians and motorists passing through the area to avoid accidents.

DPWH should also place an advisory along the area to properly notify the public and further coordinate with the Bacolod Traffic Authority Office/Traffic Management Unit to avoid traffic congestion within the area, Rojas added.