Geline Salac

Dizon scolds DPWH district engineers over improper bridge clearance in Samar

Article (news)

Andrea Taguines

ABS-CBN News

The Department of Public Works and Highways said it is now coordinating with port authorities in Samar to ensure that vital infrastructure projects, such as the Calbayog Coastal Road Project, can proceed without further hitches.The project, which includes a bridge component, is designed to serve as an alternative route for motorists traveling from Calbayog City to the towns of Rawis, Aguit-itan, and San Policarpio. This, in turn, is expected to decongest traffic along the Maharlika Highway and the city’s main commercial district.However, during a recent inspection, DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon reprimanded officials of the Samar 1st District Engineering Office for starting bridge construction without first securing vertical clearance from the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA).“Gumawa kayo ng design na dadaan sa puerto na hindi niyo clinear doon sa puerto? ‘Pag sinabi ni PPA, hindi pwede, kasi masyadong mababa ‘yung height, you will have to redo all this—and may pera ‘yun. So, sinong mananagot sa perang nasayang dahil ‘di mo ginawa ‘yung trabaho mo na humingi ng clearance sa PPA? Kayo ang mananagot dito. At the very least, gross negligence ‘to; kaso ‘to sa inyo,” Dizon said.Dizon later clarified that he has already spoken with the PPA, and it appears the current height of the bridge is manageable, posing no risk of ships colliding with the structure.Nonetheless, the Public Works chief stressed the danger of bypassing proper procedures in public infrastructure development, warning of the potential waste of taxpayers&#x27; funds if workarounds are not feasible.

The Department of Public Works and Highways said it is now coordinating with port authorities in Samar to ensure that vital infrastructure projects, such as the Calbayog Coastal Road Project, can proceed without further hitches.

The Department of Public Works and Highways said it is now coordinating with port authorities in Samar to ensure that vital infrastructure projects, such as the Calbayog Coastal Road Project, can proceed without further hitches.