By John Noel E. Herrera
The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH)-6 said three consulting firms participated in a bidding for the third party entity that would investigate the P680-million Ungka II Flyover in Pavia, Iloilo.
DPWH-6 assistant regional director Engr. Jose Al Fruto, however, refused to name the firms that joined the bidding, but he noted that they would make an official public announcement soon.
DPWH-6 already finished the bidding process last Feb 28, 2023, and they would soon award the consultancy contract to the lowest bidder, according to Fruto.
He added that they managed to follow the initial timeline that they proposed during the Regional Development Council (RDC) meeting and would already avail the services of the hired third-party consultant starting this March.
“On target kita (bidding process). Ang aton ano nga by the end of February, we would be able already to engage with the services sang aton third-party consultant firm,” Fruto said.
“Amu ina no, after nga ang third party will be officially engaged already with DPWH-6, they will start already their activities. Definitely, amu gid na ang aton schedule,” he added.
During the RDC meeting last Feb 13, DPWH-6 regional director Engr. Nerie Bueno said that the third-party consultant would start investigating the flyover this month after completing the procurement process.
Bueno added that the results of the investigation on the three sinking piers or foundations of the flyover might be out by April.
“They could start in March and sabi namin, they have to give us the result as soon as possible, and they told us also that maybe after a month they can give us the result,” she previously said.
But, as of the writing (March 1, 2023), there has been no confirmation yet coming from the DPWH-6 if the third-party consultant has already started the investigation, or when they will specifically start this month.
Meanwhile, Fruto noted the improvements in the traffic situation in the area as they have already finished the two-lane road widening on both sides of the structure.
“Yes, of course (already accessible), makita man naton no. Hambal naton gani nga ti ang gina-improve gid naton is ang access sang aton pedestrians, nga maka-provide kita sang mas matawhay gawa nga pag-cross if they are using the side roads by establishing these sidewalks, and ang mga widened area nga na, that will be used para nga mag load, unload sang aton commuters,” Fruto said.