THE construction firm Eddmarie has asked the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to grant it another extension to complete the Caduang Tete Bridge in Macabebe town in Pampanga.

Eddmari is seeking a two-month extension when it has completed 80 percent of the Caduang Tete Bridge.

It spans 60 linear meter and costs P40 million. Construction began in October 2017 and slated to be done in March 2018.

"We have incurred delays outside of our control. We apologized to motorists for the inconveniences. We apologized to local officials for causing them unnecessary worries. We thanked the DPWH Pampanga District Office for understanding the causes of delay," said Engr. Arnel Arguelles, Eddmari project manager.

Arguelles cited the right-of-way problem, series of typhoons and Habagat-induced floods, redesigning and removal of Pampanga Electric Cooperative posts as reasons for the lag.

According to Arguelles, six houses were in the way of the bridge. Around eight typhoons and southwest monsoon rains raised water levels on Caduang Tete River, a tributary of Pampanga River, making it almost impossible to launch the girder.

The DPWH also ordered a redesign because the piers do not fit. The costs of removing and transferring the electric posts were borne by Eddmarie at a cost of P400,000, which was not in the budget.

In compliance with DPWH laws, Eddmarie is shouldering liquidated damages, which is one-tenth of 10 percent for every day of delay.

"We have launched the girder. We needed extra time to put the cast concrete slabs in place," said Arguelles of the unfinished task.