City Hall says P4.5-M overpass roofing is ‘not overpriced’

By Rjay Zuriaga Castor

The proposed P4.5 million budget for the installation of a roof and other renovations on the pedestrian overpass along Benigno S. Aquino Jr. Avenue is “not overpriced,” according to the City Engineer’s Office.

Engineer Jonberlie Ladua, Engineer III at the City Engineer’s Office, clarified that the budget estimate was based on a price list approved by the Commission on Audit (COA) to ensure adherence to financial standards.

“This is not overpriced because our pricing follows the price list allowed by the COA,” Ladua stated in an interview on Monday, September 2.

According to Ladua, the scope of work will include scaffolding, roof and roof framing, steel and tile works, painting, electrical work, and the installation of temporary signage.

The total project cost is P4,418,643.67, but Ladua emphasized that it was rounded up to P4.5 million to ensure sufficient funds.

The breakdown of costs includes P350,000 for scaffolding and safety measures, approximately P1.3 million for the roof and framing, P1.05 million for steel works, P310,842 for tile works, P109,512.44 for painting, and P900,000 for electrical work.

An additional P350,000 is allocated for general requirements, such as temporary facilities and construction safety programs.

Ladua mentioned that any leftover funds from the renovation project would be returned to the city’s budget.

He also clarified that the project will still undergo a bidding process, during which the budget may change.

The Iloilo City Development Council, led by Mayor Jerry Treñas, approved a resolution in support of the project following his proposal to repair the overpass and install a roof last July. The City Council approved Treñas’ resolution on Wednesday, August 28.

The funds for the overpass roof will be drawn from the Savings and Balances of the 20 Percent Development Fund for Calendar Years 2022 and 2023.

Originally constructed in 2015 at a cost of P20 million, the overpass included two elevators for senior citizens and persons with disabilities.

Due to their deterioration from lack of use, the city allocated P5.1 million last year for a replacement.