Cebu City wants contractor to finish road project in Kalunasan in 50 days

THE Cebu City Government has given Docast Construction an ultimatum to finish its road project on Monares St. in Barangay Kalunasan within 50 working days or until mid-August, a barangay official said.

Kalunasan Barangay Captain Nunilon Monares Jr. told SunStar Cebu’s “Beyond the Headlines” on Wednesday, June 7, 2023, that they had already sought the help of the City Government concerning the contractor’s unfinished road project.

It was reported in SunStar Cebu in September 2022 that Docast Construction had pulled out all its equipment in the area because it had not received payment from the City Government.

Monares and other barangay officials said they once again raised the issue to the City Government because they were particularly concerned about the unfinished pavement.

Monares said the unfinished project has inconvenienced residents.

Monares said he heard from Mayor Michael Rama that if the contractor would not finish the project, the contractor would let the City Government take over the construction and collaborate with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).

Initially, Docast Construction adhered to the City Government’s decision and requested for an order suspending the project, according to Monares.

However, the contractor later informed Monares that they would continue the project since they had not received any official notice.

On Monday, June 5, Monares, together with other officials and Docast Construction went to City Hall to meet with City Hall officials to resolve the issue.

In the meeting, City Administrator Collin Rosell and City Budget and Finance Chief Jerone Castillo agreed to let the contractor resume its work on the condition of one-time payment after the completion of the project within 50 days, according to Monares.

The barangay road project on Monares St. is funded by the City Government with a P24 million budget. It started in January 2021 with a completion target of June 19, 2022.

The project connects the barangay’s boundary to Barangay Capitol Site all the way to the Boy Scouts of the Philippines-Camp Marina Grounds. (AML)