ILOILO City – The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Region 6 has announced a 30-day delay in the anticipated opening of the Jibao-an flyover in Barangay Hibao-an, Mandurriao district. Originally set for Oct. 15, the department cited recent rains and unresolved construction elements as reasons for the delay.
The P591-million Jibao-an flyover, which began its construction in late 2020, is a 240-meter, two-lane structure along the Iloilo Circumferential Road (C-1). It is designed to enhance connectivity to southern Iloilo and the adjacent province of Antique, while alleviating traffic congestion in the neighboring towns of Pavia and San Miguel, as well as the roads within Mandurriao district.
Engineer Sanny Boy Oropel, the officer-in-charge at DPWH-6, previously instructed the project contractor, International Builders Corporation, to complete the flyover by Sept. 30, anticipating a two-week evaluation period before its public opening.
However, weather setbacks, especially in late September and early October, have left portions of the flyover, including its approaches and sidewalls, incomplete.
In an interview with Panay News, Oropel expressed his apologies for the delay.
“We are very sorry that we cannot open the Jibao-an flyover on Oct. 15 due to unworkable weather conditions,” said Oropel.
He requested an additional 30 days for completion, and also pointed out the challenges faced by DPWH-6 in procuring several private lots within the right-of-way.
Emphasizing the precision required in constructing the Mechanically Stabilized Earth (MSE) Retaining Walls, Oropel said they are aiming to open these sections within the next month, weather permitting.
He highlighted the meticulous construction methodology, especially for the sidewalls safeguarding the approaches.
The officer, having taken up his role on Aug. 8, had earlier identified delays due to right-of-way acquisition issues. Together with International Builders Corporation and the Iloilo City District Engineering Office, strategies were devised to accelerate the project.
Oropel’’s guidance to project engineers has been clear: adhere to design and safety standards and maintain vigilant oversight to avert potential issues./PN
