DPWH chief assures infra support for WV
Motorists cruise along a light Sunday traffic on the new flyover in General Luna-Jalandoni streets.Public Works and Highways Secretary Rogelio Singson has assured Western Visayas of continuous support for “critical and strategic infrastructure projects” as he led the opening of the second flyover in Iloilo City on Friday.
Singson said construction of other projects in the region that are already in the pipeline this year will proceed, a report of the Philippine News Agency said.
“The instruction of the President is to give high priority to strategic tourism destinations and we know how important this region is to the tourism development of our country. So we will continue to support this region in terms of providing the necessary infrastructure,” he said.
He said the DPWH is looking at the projects that will develop tourist destinations and also provide employment.
The P386-million flyover along General Luna-Jalandoni streets inaugurated on Friday, the second in the city, is a pilot flyover project constructed under the French-assisted Mega Bridges for Urban and Rural Development Project.
The construction, which started in late 2009, was implemented by the President’s Bridge Program Office.
The city’s first flyover along the General Luna-Diversion Road junction was funded through an assistance from the United Kingdom in 2007.
At the inauguration rites, Singson was joined by Undersecretary for Visayas Rafael Yabut, Assistant Secretary Emil Sadain, Senator Franklin Drilon, Rep. Jerry Treñas, and Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog.
INSPECTION
Meanwhile, Singson also inspected the Nichols Bridge in Alimodian town after attending the flyover opening in Iloilo City.
The Nichols Bridge, spanning the Aganan River, is one of the major infrastructures in Panay that was wiped out by the flood during Typhoon Frank in 2008.
The bridge is a vital infrastructure in Alimodian as it connects the town’s 17 barangays to the poblacion.
Its replacement structure of P166.4 million is being implemented under the Urgent Bridges Construction Project for Rural Development Package IV of the President’s Bridge Program Office.
The 150-lineal meter project is expected to be completed ahead of the February 2011 schedule with construction already 75 percent completed.
