SP Seeks Investigation of the Aklan River Dredging Project by DPWH Exec

Kalibo, Aklan- The Aklan Sangguniang Panlalawigan, during its 22nd regular session on December 15, 2010, has asked Secretary Rogelio L. Singson of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to conduct immediate investigation on the status of the P100 Million dredging project in the Aklan River downstream Kalibo-Numancia Bridge.

Through its Resolution No. 2010-152 sponsored by Hon. Rodson F. Mayor, the body recalled that the Sangguniang Panlalawigan protested the bidding of the project without consultation with the local government unit in violation of law and the award of the project to a contractor who lacks the necessary equipment to accelerate the dredging project of the Aklan River.

The resolution also stressed that the SP has taken cognizance of the long delayed P100 Million dredging project at the Aklan River and has recently requested the Department of Public Works and Highways Regional Office to update the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of the status of the said dredging project.

But the body was disappointed when the DPWH sent its representative to update the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of the status of the project during its 15th Regular Session on October 20, 2010 who informed the Sangguniang Panlalawigan that the accomplishment of the project as of October 20, 2010 is only 73%.

The Aklan SP was dismayed of the information that the contract is extended and a sizeable portion of the extended contract price of the project(more than P8 Million) goes to the rental of heavy equipment (bulldozer and payloader) when the contractor himself must be fully equipped before bidding for the .

Last year, the DPWH Regional Director, Region VI, appeared before Gov. Carlito S. Marquez and the Aklan Rivers Development Council headed by former Congressman Allen S. Quimpo and altogether have agreed to consult the local government unit and revise the program of works to focus to the area that will be dredged to hasten the flow of water.

Former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo has ordered the release of P100 million to the Regional Office, DPWH, Region VI, IloIlo City for the dredging of the Aklan River downstream the Kalibo – Numancia Bridge after Typhoon Frank hit Aklan on June 2008.

The project contractors are the International Builders Corporation and Towking Construction that won the bidding on June 2009.