DEPARTMENT of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Undersecretary Manuel Bonoan has pledged to earmark at least another P20M to strengthen the Loboc Bailey Bridge, former Representative Eladio Jala disclosed Monday, May 28.
Jala, who was asked to update Boholanos on the status of an accident waiting to happen in the weakened bailey bridge that is daily traversed by tourists, said there is already a fund set to address the problem of the bailey bridge.
Only the lifting of the election suspension would legally cause the flow of funds that could correct the weakened structure, Jala bared over a radio interview.
This release, when implemented comes, barely a year after the government also released millions of funds for a bridge strengthening contract.
Moreover, Jala said he has the recent commitment of DPWH undersecretary of at least another P20M for the repair of the single lane bridge.
The Public works secretary gave the commitment when he was here accompanying President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo when she inaugurated the P1.9B Bohol Circumferential Road Improvement Project and the Jagna Port.
The graduating Bohol Third District solon said the President has also given her nod on the project that could improve the safety and security of commuters and tourists who have to cross the bridge after disembarking from the famous Loboc river cruises.
The bridge with a load capacity of 12 tons has been closed to heavy vehicles due to weakened structure after a cargo truck navigated the span barely a month after the bridge re-opened.
Tour buses have long after been banned from crossing the bridge as the total vehicle weight with passengers could easily topple the structure.
Over this, tour drivers who ferry tourists across the bridge on tour vans and coasters feel apprehensive that the constant daily bulk of traffic may cause it to collapse.
Over all this, Jala said that after the election ban on construction of public works is lifted, the delivery of materials for public works, then disbursements of funds for public works, could be started. (rachiu/PIA)
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