Tuesday, July 10, 2007 Official orders speedy implementation of Arroyo flagship projects
PUBLIC Works Regional Director Mariano Alquiza directed all stakeholders to fast-track the implementation and completion of nearly P1-billion flagship projects of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo in the different parts of Cordillera for the benefit of the beneficiaries.
Alquiza issued the directive after receiving reports of an average of nine percent slippages in all the various infrastructure projects in Mountain Province, Kalinga and Ifugao, which were funded under the State of the Nation Address (Sona) of the President last year.
He also ordered his field engineers to conduct routine inspection and strict supervision on all the projects to ensure their completion by the end of the year, in time for the release of additional funds for the identified priority projects next year.
The President's three major projects in the region include the complete rehabilitation of the Mount Data section in Bauko, Mountain Province to the Bontoc section and the Bontoc section in Mountain Province to Banaue, Ifugao section of Halsema Highway and the Bontoc, Mountain Province to Tinglayan, Kalinga and the Lubuagan, Kalinga to Tabuk sections of Bontoc-Tabuk-Tuguegarao Road.
For the Mount Data to Bontoc section of Halsema Highway, an initial release of P340 million for civil works was received by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) regional office and district engineering office. There are 24 contracts that were issued notices to proceed, 22 contracts are already ongoing with several slippages while the two remaining contracts are still on the mobilization stage.
The government also released P189 million for civil works at the Bontoc to Banaue section of Halsema Highway and the same is covered by 12 contracts; with eight contracts now underway while the four remaining contracts were suspended due to inadequacy of Portland cement in bags.
For the Bontoc to Tinglayan boundary of Bontoc-Tabuk-Tuguegarao Road, an initial release of P112 million for civil works is now being implemented and covered by seven contracts, two of which are already ongoing while five contracts were suspended due to inadequacy of Portland cement in bags.
At least P229 million for civil works was released and undergoing full implementation and covered by eight contracts, two of which are already completed, five contracts are ongoing and one is scheduled for publication. (DS)
