ILOILO City – The road from the La Paz public market to the La Paz district plaza would be rehabilitated this month. Expect traffic congestion in this area, according to the city government’s Public Safety and Transportation Management Office (PSTMO).
To minimize public inconvenience, PSTMO will be coming up with a traffic rerouting plan before the road rehabilitation begins.
“All should follow the traffic rerouting plan. Drivers and commuters should stretch their patience,” said PSTMO chief Jeck Conlu.
He also said the PSTMO would constantly monitor the road rehabilitation “so that the contractor would hasten the work.”
The Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP) passed a resolution asking the Iloilo City District Engineering Office of the Department of Public Works and Highways to submit status reports on all its road and drainage projects.
“With the resumption of classes and the prospect of rains, there is a growing concern from the public as well as the business sector that the continued delays in these projects will result to traffic nightmare and gross inconvenience for all,” read part of the resolution.
Councilor Ely Estante, chairperson of the SP committee on engineering, construction and public works, said DPWH should took to task contractors for the delays.
“Department Order 37 issued in 2015 allows DPWH to penalize erring contractors for undue delays with penalties ranging from liquidated damages to cancellation of contract,” said Estante.
While some reasons for the delay may be understandable such as inclement weather, right-of-way problems and even changes in project plans, Estante said some were inexcusable such as the contractors’ lack of equipment or manpower.
“Some road projects take many unreasonable months to complete. In this day of rising fuel prices, this is unacceptable,” said Estante./PN
