Monday, October 22, 2007 Legislator says there's P230 million for bridge By Ben O. Tesiorna
THERE is already a P230-million fund set aside for the reconstruction of the Generoso Bridge 1 in Bankerohan, Davao City, said first district Rep. Prospero C. Nograles.
The fund, he said, is from the Office of the President.
Nograles was reacting to the sentiment of councilors, following the failure of the regional officers of the Department of Budget and Management and the Department of Public Works and Highways to assure the council three sessions ago that there is fund for the project.
Nograles said President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo had allotted P230 million for the project. The lawmaker insisted the project is not delayed although not one single reinforcement bar has been moved in since the bridge was demolished in April this year.
Davao City has been repeatedly assured that the bridge will be rebuilt in one year. It's been six months since the bridge collapsed.
"Kaya I am appealing to the Dabawenyos to be patient. It will really take time to process everything under the law," Nograles said.
He said that four bidders have already been pre-qualified for the project and that once the project is awarded to the winning bidder the construction will immediately start.
"I don't know who won but they are ready to start once it is awarded. There is already money for the project," Nograles said.
At the same time, Nograles also appealed to the media not to constantly criticize the Department of Public Works and Highways as the agency is also doing its best to expedite and finish the project by next year.
"Be very thankful and grateful instead of criticizing. The DPWH is doing their best, I am doing my best and let us just help each other na lang," Nograles said.
Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte had been sniping at the seeming absence of any activity at the bridge project site, prompting the media to pick up on the issue.
