Batiano bridge budget is P12 M not P7 M
Iloilo City District Engineering Office OIC District Engineer Teodoro Castillo has a lot to explain relative to the funds intended for the rehabilitation of the Batiano bridge.
Castillo, in his letter to Mayor Jerry Trenas dated March 27, 2006, said the funds for the rehabilitation of the Batiano bridge is only P7 million. However, in his recent letter of explanation to Department of Public Wowrks and Highways (DPWH) officials, Castillo said the total funds released for the construction is P12 million. The entire amount released for the project is bigger compared to the cost of the entire project.
A letter sent by Castillo to Engr. Joy Untalan of the DPWH on the rehabilitation of Batiano Bridge in Molo Boulevard showed that the total funds released for the project is P12,000,000. The fund was available since the last quarter of 2004.
Castillo's letter of explanation to Untalan is relative to the request of Rep. Raul Gonzalez Jr. about the status of the bridge's construction. Bulk of the funds for rehabilitation of the bridge came from the solon's development fund.
On the brief description of the project, Castillo said the bridge has a total length of 20 meters and 7.32 meters carriageway only totaled to P11,021,315.33. There is an excess of P978,684.67.
Castillo's report to Untalan was prepared by Joemar Nepomuceno, Project Engineer. The same report stated that the rehabilitation or construction of the bridge is in line with the department's awareness of the ill effects of earthquakes. The existing bridge has several severe damage on its sub and superstructures which requires replacement.
Based on the previous documents gathered by The News Today, only P5,907,403.05 was bidded and awarded to the two project contractors.
Out of the P5,907,403.05 contract of work, P3,980,448.05 was awarded to Alfonso Tan of the International Builders Corporation (IBC) and P1,926,955.45 for BE construction owned by Elena Malaga.
In Castillo's letter to Untalan, he said the sources of funds for the project are divided into four phases. Phase 1 is to be funded by the local government unit. The scope of work for the Phase 1 is the demolition works of sub and super structures except the abutment.
Phase II of the project has a funding of P1,926,955.44. The Phase II covers the fabrication and delivery of four units Prestressed Concrete Girder Type III and has a length of 20 meters.
Phase III of the project has a funding of P4,744.369.89. The works covered by Phase III is the construction of sub-structures while Phase IV of the project has a funding of P4,350,000. The works under the Phase IV of the construction project includes the construction of superstructures, approaches and improvement of bank protection.
Castillo said the project started last July 15, 2006 and is expected to be completed on December 30, 2006. He also said they have already 22.50% work accomplishment since they started the project.
The 22.50 % work accomplishment includes the demolition of existing bridge, driving of two test piles, casting of seven regular piles and completion of one unit of Prestressed Concrete Girder Type III.
In the same letter of explanation, Castillo raised five problems and concerns they allegedly encountered which caused delay on the construction work. He said the working area is very limited wherein the mobility of equipment needs extra care in order not to endanger the life and properties of the commuters and residents, no other alternate route for pedestrians, there are high voltage electrical wires of Panay Electric Company Inc. that needs to be transferred or relocated, removal of several makeshift shanties adjacent the bridge intended for the space and mobility of equipment and removal or pruning of trees.
Of the five problems the Iloilo City District Engineering Office has also taken several steps. The city district engineering office has requested the local government unit to remove several structures and engaged the participation of barangay officials in the "upkeep of the vicinity", two pedestrian footbridge were constructed to cater the needs of the affected commuters, they have requested PECO to transfer or relocate the high voltage electrical wires and requested the Department of Environment and Natural Resources Office and the city government a clearance to prune or remove the trees, said Castillo.