CONSTRUCTION of the controversial Caduang Tete Bridge in Macabebe town is now at full blast to ensure that it will be completed as per the contractor’s promised date this January.
Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) First District Engineering Office head Almer Miranda, in a statement, assured concerned motorists and commuters that project contractor EddMari Construction is keen on finishing the construction before this month ends.
“The ongoing construction of Caduang Tete Bridge is in full blast and the project contractor, Edgar Sagum of Eddmari Construction, is closely monitoring the various stages of the bridge construction,” Miranda said.
Miranda, who conducted an ocular inspection of the bridge last Thursday, January 3, noted the project’s progress, such as the installation of rebars that would kick off succeeding construction stages leading to its swift completion.
“The contractor has already started the installation of rebars to be completed by January 9, 2019. Once the rebars are installed, the pouring of concrete would proceed from January 9 to 11 and the curing of concrete between January 12 to 19, 2019,” Miranda said.
Moreover, Miranda said the district engineering office also initiated the use of metal or steel deck in order to expedite the completion of the project.
“The use of steel deck, although more costly, is most advantageous to the government and will render more strength and stability to the bridge structure once completed,” he added.
Meanwhile, DPWH Central Luzon Regional Director Roseller Tolentino reminded Miranda to closely monitor the daily progress of the construction activities and make sure that the contractor meets its commitment to finish the bridge.
It could be remembered that the construction of the bridge, which started in May 2018 and was supposed to be finished in October 2018, earned flak from residents of Macabebe and nearby Masantol town due to delays in its construction.
In December 2018, Macabebe Mayor Annette Balgan gave an ultimatum to the project contractor to finish the bridge construction before January ends and said, “I will exhaust all means under my power to go to the DPWH to cancel your license and your ultimate ban from public works contracts.”
The lady mayor also warned the contractor that she will lead a mass rally at the Caduang Tete bridge should they fail anew to fulfill the commitment of opening the bridge by January 30, 2019.