Tuesday, October 09, 2007 DPWH: Bankerohan project in central office's hand
THE Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH)-Southern Mindanao is all set to face the Davao City Council Tuesday over the perceived delay in the Bankerohan bridge project but may not be offer much in the form of answers.
DPWH-Southern Mindanao director Hadji Pundidato Mitmug said though that they have a request for the council and that is for the body to pass a resolution requesting the DPWH central office to hasten the bidding process and awarding of the project.
He said the final decision is in the hands of their central office and not on the regional office. Mitmug said if only his office has a say on the project they would have started the construction of the Bankerohan bridge a long time ago.
The DPWH official said that based on his conversation with his superiors in Metro Manila last week, the bidding process is not yet over and that the program of works for the project is still being worked out.
Mitmug said the marching order of his superiors was to explain and justify to the Davao City Council and Mayor Rodrigo Duterte the delay in the construction and assure city officials that DPWH will do its best to finish the project by April 2008.
Asked if the DPWH can indeed complete the bridge within six months, Mitmug said it is possible if the contractor will double its effort to comply with the deadline.
As to the budget, Mitmug said the DPWH has allocated P100 million for this year and will be allocating an additional P50 million from its 2008 budget. He said the remaining balance for the project would be sourced from other funds like the Office of the President and countrywide development fund of Congress.
In Tuesday's hearing, Mitmug said he would be bringing with him his division chiefs, project engineers, information officer, and planning officer to help him explain the real score on the issue.
He said he will lay down the situation and hope that city officials and the public find it in their hearts and minds to understand that DPWH is trying its very best to have the construction of the Bankerohan bridge started as soon as possible.
"I hope that my friends in the council would not make it hard for me. To appear before the council is something very heavy for me. Mahirap palang maging director dahil sa iyo lahat bagsak ng problema. I now have sleepless nights," Mitmug said.
Mitmug also appealed to the media to refrain from ridiculing him, especially his surname, as what a radio broadcaster allegedly did in one of their interviews with him. (BOT)
