ILOILO City – An engineering firm based in Davao City is the winning bidder for the first phase of rectification of the defective P680-million Ungka flyover traversing Barangay Ungka II, Pavia, Iloilo and Barangay Ungka, Jaro district.
Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) 6 officer-in-charge, Engr. Sanny Boy Oropel, confirmed to Panay News that the P100-million contract has been awarded to Monolithic Construction & Concrete Products, Inc.
The Davao City-based firm won with its P95,949,996.04 bid against seven others, including the flyover’s contractor, International Builders Corporation (IBC).
“Number one, sila ang lowest bidder; number two, because of their experience, they can provide all the technical expertise that we need for the jet grouting activity,” Oropel said.
He added: “Ang importante dira nga gin-evaluate ang ila nga experience when it comes to jet grouting, as well as the technical personnel who will be supervising the project and, of course, sila ang lowest bidder.”
With this, the notice to proceed will be awarded this week for the contractor to commence its rectification by next week.
“Whatever contract duration is stipulated in the contract, it will be strictly followed,” said Oropel.
What About the IBC?
“Actually, wala sia labot, kay gin-award na naton sa Monolithic Construction & Concrete Products, Inc. So, indi sia puede… kay napirede man sia sa bidding,” said Oropel.
For now, Oropel said DPWH-6 is just waiting for the pre-construction meeting with the winning contractor to determine what equipment will be deployed in the area and if it will affect the flow of traffic.
This is to make necessary adjustments, especially with the expected volume of traffic in the upcoming Dinagyang Festival 2024.
“Rest assured that these things will be evaluated and proper solutions will also be introduced during the jet grouting activity. Once nga mapalastar ta ini kay subong ga-anticipate kita sang Dinagyang Festival, we will provide the traffic solution when rectification starts,” Oropel added.
Engr. Adam Abinales of Abinales Associates Engineers + Consultants has previously recommended additional bored piles as a solution for the settlement issues of some piers.
This approach will enhance the overall pile capacity but may require the removal and replacement of existing prestressed concrete girders.
For other piers, underpinning with intensive jet grouting is advised, reaching depths of up to 100 meters.
Currently, the inner lanes of the Ungka flyover are operational during specific hours from Monday to Saturday.
DPWH-6 aims to complete the rectification by July 2024 and fully reopen the flyover by the first week of August 2024, weather permitting./PN
