DPWH allocates P750-M for 7 major infra projects in East Visayas

248 backlog projects for completion mid-2012

By Erlinda Olivia P. Tiu

Sunday 18th of March 2012

PALO, Leyte, March 18 (PIA) -- The national government has allotted P750 million to finance seven major infrastructure projects which are scheduled to be implemented in Eastern Visayas starting this month.

Department of Public Works and Highways Region 8 Director Rolando Asis said that the amount is part of the additional P1.9 billion allocation intended for 2011 but was not released last year.

The DPWH in the Region had completed the survey of all the seven projects. In fact, several of them were already bid out on the first week of March, Director Asis said. Based on contract time, the projects will be completed in August of 2012, Director Asis added.

Director Asis identified the seven major projects as the San Isidro – Lope de Vega Road construction, which got the highest budget allocation with P247.26 million; the P130.95-million Palapag-Mapanas-Gamay-Lapinig Road; P75 million upgrading of inter-barangay road in Catarman, Northern Samar; and P87.3 million extension of flood control system also in Catarman town; P130.85 million reconstruction of Carigara Bridge; P99 million rehabilitation of road connecting some villages in the towns of Matag-ob and Palompon, both in Leyte.

Director Asis said these projects are considered priority by the DPWH since these are categorized as carry-over projects.These projects particularly in Northern Samar will benefit many barangays that have no access to road networks, Asis added.

The DPWH regional office here is eyeing to complete 248 backlog infrastructure projects as early as mid- 2012 in a bid to focus on construction of projects programmed for this year.

The DPWH monitoring reports revealed that out of the 4,996 projects programmed from 2008 to 2011 with a total cost of P24.30 billion, about 4,748 have been completed, 214 are ongoing, and 34 projects have yet to start.

Of the 248 carry-over projects, two were programmed in 2008, one in 2009, 182 in 2010, and 63 in 2011.

Director Asis attributed the delays to bad weather, late funding releases last year, and realignments in 2010.

The DPWH Director further said that for 2012, the DPWH has programmed 144 projects with a total funding of P3.78 billion wherein 124 projects are already on-going with 6 percent overall accomplishment as of mid - February. (EOPT-PIA 8)