San Miguel Corp. (SMC) yesterday assured the P37.45-billion Metro Manila Skyway Stage 3 will be operational by July this year, as it works double time to rebuild the portion of the project that collapsed due to a fire incident over the weekend.
In a statement, SMC said it will make sure that Skyway Stage 3 opens this July, earlier than the contractor’s estimate of eight months to rebuild the portion that collapsed.
This is just a delay of three months from the original opening target in April 1, said Ramon Ang, SMC president and chief operating officer.
“We are saddened by this unfortunate incident mainly because it will delay a vital infrastructure project that would have alleviated traffic woes of our motorists sooner. But rest assured, we will work 24/7 to endeavor to complete the entire project in five months.
This is just a 3-month delay from the original opening target,” Ang said.
SMC said its initial investigation showed the fire was a freak accident that could have likely emanated from the DMCI construction yard that eventually spread to its nearby plastics warehouse, which at that time was in the process of being relocated out of Pandacan.
The relocation is part of the company’s efforts to clear its properties in Pandacan in consideration of Skyway and future projects. Earlier, SMC completed the removal of subsidiary Petron Corp.’s oil depot facilities in the area.
“We continue to liaise with the concerned authorities to address all issues pertaining to the incident. It is fortunate that no one was harmed and we thank everybody who took the time to help fight the fire,” Ang said.
“What pains us is that we missed the opportunity to help motorists sooner with the opening of this road network. But what’s important now is that we get back to work right away and double our hard work. There will be no shortcuts and we will put all our resources on this effort,” Ang added.
Recently, SMC proposed to use the Pandacan property to build a major, integrated transport and food terminal to help further decongest main entry and exit points to Metro Manila.
For travelers to and from northern and southern Luzon provinces, the project is envisioned to serve as a safe, convenient and more comfortable central transport hub.
Meanwhile, food haulers from the province can deliver fresh produce to a modern, central food terminal without having to add to Metro Manila traffic.
“This incident is a reminder to all of us that right of way for all our infrastructure projects should be clear of fire hazards. We call on the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to continue to strictly enforce this to avoid similar incidents from happening,” Ang said.
Currently, a number of tank farms owned by other companies are still in the Pandacan area, which used to be a depot for various oil firms.
