BY BOY RYAN ZABAL and PRINCE GOLEZ
BORACAY – The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) is appealing to stakeholders affected by the road widening in this world-famous island to cooperate so that the project won’t be delayed.
“Kailangan natin ang kooperasyon at tulong ng mga stakeholders to fast-track the completion of Boracay projects,” said Aklan District Engineer Noel Fuentebella.
The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) will release P490 million to the DPWH for the rehabilitation of the entire 5.2-kilometer Boracay Circumferential Road.
“The DBM is now processing the fund request of the DPWH subject to the approval of the Office of the President,” said Budget secretary Benjamin Diokno.
According to Diokno, they have already allotted P50 million for the improvement of the Boracay Circumferential Road in the 2018 budget.
The additional funding will ensure on-time project delivery, he added.
“Charged against savings generated by DPWH in FY (fiscal year) 2018, the fund release will be used to accelerate the construction progress of the 5.2-kilometer road that will strictly follow the 6.10-meter carriageway standard on both sides,” the DBM said.
The DPWH said the project will include an improved drainage and sewerage system along the main road to contain in-land flooding.
The project is divided into three sections – the Cagban Port to Rotonda road (1.4 kilometers), Rotonda to Barangay Balabag road (1.9 kilometers) and the Barangay Balabag to Barangay Yapak road (1.9 kilometers).
“Wala pa naman tayong resistance sa mga establishments, ang iba nagself-demolish ng structures lalo na sa [Barangay] Manoc-Manoc,” said Fuentebella.
He added that some residents have requested DPWH personnel to demolish their structures along the road.
“May mga tumatawag at nag-abiso sa mga tauhan natin to demolish ang kanilang mga structures. Ang Cagban area halos cleared na dahil sa tulong ng hired workers ng provincial government, maliban sa mga poste ng koryente,” said Fuentebella.
As of April 27, the DPWH clearing teams have already demolished 41 structures and 10 concrete fences along the main road in Boracay./PN
