The completion of a bridge project worth approximately P46 million in Jaro District, Iloilo City is about eight months delayed. 

The said bridge would have supposedly replaced the current steel bridge, but it was found out that only five percent of the project has been started reportedly because of informal settlers in the area. 

The original schedule of project completion is set in January 2025, and would have connected Barangay Dungon B in Jaro to Barangay Santa Rosa in Mandurriao District.

Based on the record of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), March 2024 is the contract effectivity date, or the start of the project.

The budget is from the General Appropriations Act under the supervision of DPWH-Iloilo City District Engineering Office (ICDEO). However, there are no heavy equipment or construction materials at the site that would have indicated interest in pursuing works. 

It turned out that the accomplishment rate is yet at a scanty five percent.

A few barangay officials accused the contractor of not showing up anymore after discussions made on the project in 2024.

Due to a gag order, the DPWH-ICDEO has no statement on the said issue. However, based on their office’s record, the project is tagged suspended because of the informal settlers in the area.

According to the head of the Iloilo City Local Housing Office, Atty. Peter Millare, only three of 12 informal settlers were provided relocation.

He said they are set for a dialogue with the remaining informal settlers to check if they are interested to avail of the relocation.

(via GMA Regional TV One Western Visayas Desk)