BAYAMBANG–Complete the project or else!

This was the stern warning of Rep. Ma. Rachel Arenas to the contractor designated to restore the Calvo Bridge that connects the towns of Bayambang and Bautista town to finish the project in five months.

She gave Roadtech Construction, the contractor, five months to finally complete the long-delayed project and failing that, she would direct the cancellation of the contract and order a rebidding.

Arenas responded to the complaints and appeals from her constituents about the long-overdue completion of the bridge. It was scheduled to be completed early July this year.

An irate Arenas told local newsmen that she shares the frustration of Governor Amado EspinoJr., a native of Bautista town, who recently inspected the project last Tuesday.

For too long, commuters from the towns of Bautista, Sto. Tomas and other areas in eastern Pangasinan have no other alternate route going to Bayambang but to pass though a longer route using Villasis-Malasiqui roadline.

Arenas said President Gloria Arroyo released P55 million for this project and Public Works Secretary Hermogenes Ebdane Jr. committed another P15 million.

“The funding is obviously not the problem because only P25 million has so far been spent,” Arenas said.

She warned the contractor that if he cannot finish it in another 5 months, she will ask the Public Works office to rebid it.

The project’s timetable first hit a snag when the facilities of electric and telecommunication firms at the project site were removed. Then rampaging floodwaters caused by Typhoon Cosme washed away the steel casing for the bridge necessary for board piling.

The contractor only resumed work last week.

Assistant District Engineer Marietta Mendoza of the engineering sub-office of the Second Pangasinan Engineering District, said Public Works Regional Director Fidel Ginez himself has determined that the contractor should have no reason not to complete it in five months’ time.-#

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