ILOILO CITY – The city government is opposing the proposed P150-million bridge that will connect Sunset Boulevard and the Carpenter’s Bridge, both in Barangay Tabucan in this city’s Mandurriao district, saying it is redundant and a threat to the city’s river.
The project, supposed to be the Esplanade 12, spans 240 lineal meters across the river. It has been proposed by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) with a cost of P150 million.
“The proposed project is a redundant infrastructure, considering the existence of 11 connectivity structures spanning across the Iloilo River along 13 Esplanade sections,” Iloilo City Mayor Raisa Treñas said in her letter addressed to DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon dated Sept. 4, a copy of which was released to the media on Monday, September 8.
The DPWH issued a notice to proceed to the contractor even without complying with the required permits from the concerned government agencies, she said.
The implementing agency has not produced the environmental compliance certificate and certificate of non-coverage and “miserably failed” to comply with the mandatory requirements of the local government, she added.
“The total cost of P150 million is excessive and unconscionable for a redundant project that poses an environmental threat to the Iloilo River,” the mayor added. (PNA)
