‘No politics behind delayed road project’

By Felipe V Celino

 

ROXAS CITY, Capiz – There’s no politics behind the delayed rehabilitation of San Roque Street here as the chief executive wants other road projects undertaken by the contractor to be completed first.

According to City Councilor John Paul Arcenas, committee on infrastructure chair of the Sangguniang Panlungsod, Roxas City Mayor Ronnie Dadivas temporarily stopped the construction of San Roque Street after learning that the first road project of contractor G-Arabia Platinum Construction and Development Company (GAPCDC) was yet to be finished.

He said the contractor was required to finish first the road project in Brgy. Dayao here and submit the construction permit based on City Ordinance 046-2016.

He said that the Department of Public Works and Highways must first validate the accomplishment of GAPCDC in the Dayao road project before it could resume the San Roque Street project.

Arcenas stressed that the other reason why the project was delayed was the coronavirus disease (COVD-19) pandemic.

The councilor said that there was no political pressure as they merely followed what is stated by law.

Earlier, GAPCDC owner Gin Arabia blamed the City Engineer’s Office (CEO) for not informing him about the construction permit before he can proceed with the project.

He also questioned why the CEO obliged his construction firm to submit a certificate of completion as one of the requirements before a construction permit will be issued.

The contractor stressed that it was not stated in Ordinance No. 46-2016 that a certificate of completion is one of the requirements for the road rehab.

He added that other cities do not require such permit.