Tuesday, January 29, 2008 Contractors finish replacing defective Halsema portions By Jane Cadalig
CONTRACTORS of the phase two rehabilitation of Halsema Highway have completed replacing the defective portions of their work, but should not yet release that sigh of relief.
Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Hermogenes Ebdane Jr. is still clueless as to how the contractors performed their work.
Ebdane, last year, ordered contractors of the Bontoc-Banaue section of the Halsema repair to replace their work, after these failed the coring test during his surprise inspection.
"We do not yet know the degree of compliance (of the contractors). Their work has yet to be validated," Ebdane said, adding the Quality Assurance Unit of the DPWH has been tapped to confirm if the replaced works are within the standards.
Ebdane, last September, ordered the removal and replacement of at least 10 portions of the 52 contracts, which were found defective.
He ordered DPWH Regional Director Mariano Alquiza to supervise the repair and replacement of the defective work.
Alquiza said the contactor already completed the replacement of the flawed work at their own costs.
The phase two rehabilitation of Halsema, worth P800 million, is marred with controversies, ranging from allegations of graft and corruption.
Rehabilitation of this highway is among the priority programs of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.
Halsema connects at least three provinces in the Cordillera region. Its rehabilitation is seen to benefit not only the tourism but also the region's agriculture industry.
