Saturday, April 28, 2007 DPWH: Bridge construction to take more than a year
THERE is no way that the Generoso Bridge I can be reconstructed in less than one year, and with the bidding process still to be held on May 15, actual reconstruction may take longer.
Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Regional Director Dimas Soguilon said the wish of Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte to have the new bridge built in one year is nearly impossible.
Under normal circumstances, such a span will take at least two years to build, Soguilon said.
But with the urgency to rebuild this major infrastructure, he said, they will be doing their best to build it at the fastest possible time without compromising quality.
Three Manila-based contractors are expected to participate in the bidding for the project on May 15.
The three contractors have already inspected the area to ensure the possibility of constructing the bridge at fastest possible time, Soguilon said.
He added that DPWH will be able to shoulder the initial cost in the construction of the bridge. Soguilon pegged the cost to be at around P300 million.
The new bridge, he said, will have a carrying capacity twice that of the old Governor Generoso bridge.
"The new one will be able to carry 30 tons compared to the 15 tons of the old one," he said. (CPM)
