ENGINEER Ferdinand Magada, chief of Construction Section of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), yesterday, May 29, said that the contractor has completed 70 percent of the drainage projects from Lacson Street to Mandalagan Bridge in Bacolod City.

Magada said the Supreme ABF Contractor assured them they will finish the construction before the MassKara Festival celebration in October.

"We instructed the contractor last week to finish the excavation or open hole along Lacson Street towards Mandalagan Bridge as soon as possible," he said.

Magada noted that the construction of drainage along the northern part of the city is almost 70 percent completed while in the south, it is also almost 60 percent completed.

The DPWH started the construction of drainage projects from Rizal Street going to Mandalagan Bridge in February.

The drainage project along Rizal Street going to Capitol Lagoon on Lacson Street costs P20 million, while the one from Lacson Street towards Mandalagan Bridge is worth P35 million.

Magada said for the north area, the workers were already constructing along L' Fisher while in the south, it is along the intersection of Galo Street.

"The contractor has a deadline to finish these projects or else they will be fined," he said.

In order to ease the traffic congestion along Lacson Street, Magada said the workers started the constructions at 8 p.m. until 5 a.m.

DPWH also required the contractor to put early warning devices such as reflectorized, traffic barricades among others to ensure the safety of the motorists.

Mayor Evelio Leonardia had earlier urged the DPWH to provide effective early warning devices along Rizal Street going to Capitol Lagoon on Lacson Streets after some traffic accidents were reported in the area.

Magada said those incidents were isolated and they assured that the implementation of their project is well organized.