ILOILO City – Naga-usmod. Nagalitik. Nagadanaw.
The newly-built P680-million flyover that starts from this city and ends in Pavia, Iloilo appears to be sinking, cracking and suffering from water pooling. Is the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) still on top of the situation?
The Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP) is seeking an inquiry.
“We would like to know if we are still in control of the situation and whether this can be addressed kag mapakay-o pa in the interest of the public,” said Councilor Sedfrey Cabaluna, chairman of the SP transportation committee.
The four-lane, 453.7 lineal meters long Ungka flyover was fully opened to traffic on Sept. 5. Two weeks after, however, DPWH temporarily closed it. It observed “vertical displacement” or “settlement” in portions of the structure.
“We want to get to the bottom of this – naga-usmod, nagalitik kag nagadanaw and (even) the design,” said Cabaluna.
The DPWH contractor, International Builders Corporation (IBC), will also be invited to the inquiry, said Cabaluna.
Almost immediately after the flyover’s full opening to traffic on Sept. 5, motorists complained of a rough ride due to the uneven or “wavy” decking – the road or the rail surface of the flyover. Portions of it appear to have slumped.
This “vertical displacement” was described as “very minimal” by Engineer Jose Al Fruto, DPWH Region 6 assistant regional director, but enough to compel a closure so that further observations could be done.
“We would like to get an update on how are they doing. We would like to hear it straight from (DPWH)…kon ini bala regular pa nga gakatabo,” said Cabaluna.
The flyover starts in Barangay Ungka, Jaro district and ends in Barangay Ungka,
Pavia, Iloilo.
Cabaluna said the local government units (LGU) concerned should have participation in as far as monitoring the flyover and making recommendations are concerned.
Sangguniang Bayan (SB) member Jose Maria “Pyt” Trimañez of Pavia confirmed they will be attending the city council inquiry.
Trimañez chairs the SB committee on transportation in Pavia. Aside from the Ungka flyover, he said, they will also raise some concerns regarding another flyover that DPWH is constructing in Barangay Aganan, Pavia.
According to Trimañez, some Pavianhons have observed “misalignment” of a girder in the Aganan flyover.
They also want to be clarified with the time of the construction, said Trimañez, and even on the safety of the construction workers and the public in general./PN
