BY GEROME DALIPE IV
ILOILO City – The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Region 6 has renewed its call for Metro Pacific Iloilo Water (MPIW) to fast-track repairs of water pipe leakages beneath the Ungka Flyover in Pavia, Iloilo.
Engr. Sanny Boy Oropel, DPWH-6 director, highlighted in a letter to MPIW Chief Operating Officer Angelo David Berba the urgency of addressing the issue.
The Ungka Flyover, which fully opened to traffic on Dec. 23, 2024, is slated for official turnover, including its access roads, on January 22, 2025. However, pipe leakages have delayed progress.
“Prior to the jet grouting activities at the Ungka Flyover project, our agency engaged your office in a series of meetings. During these discussions, we stressed the need to expedite bypassing the old and deteriorated pipes and connecting them to your existing water line,” Oropel wrote.
Despite earlier agreements, recent inspections revealed water leakage in the area caused by burst pipes, contributing to project delays.
“I strongly urge your company to hasten the necessary work to resolve these issues. Ensuring public safety and convenience remains our top priority, and timely completion of this project is critical,” Oropel added.
The DPWH emphasized the need for MPIW’s swift action to ensure the successful turnover of the flyover and to uphold public safety and convenience.
Mayor Jerry Treñas echoed Oropel’s sentiments, asserting that the burst pipes and resulting leakages from MPIW were significant contributors to the flyover’s delays.
As chairperson of the Infrastructure Development Committee of the Regional Development Council (RDC) under the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Region 6, Treñas issued a formal directive to MPIW, demanding immediate action.
“In view of the foregoing premises, please provide the Committee, through this Office, a commitment from Metro Pacific Iloilo Water and a timeline of completion for the necessary engineering works to resolve the continuing water leakages in the said area,” Treñas wrote in his letter to MPIW.
He underscored that the timeline must be submitted within five days from receipt of the letter.
“Your utmost cooperation will ensure the timely completion of the remaining engineering works of the Department of Public Works and Highways,” Treñas added.
Marie Joy Josue, MPIW Corporate Affairs and Communications Manager, said the company will send the necessary communications to the DPWH and Mayor Treñas to clarify the issues regarding the ongoing water leakages beneath the Ungka flyover.
Josue assured that MPIW will address the concerns raised and provide a clear update on their actions to resolve the matter./PN
