Road, bridge in support of Iloilo sugar mill industry underway

THE road project from Barangay Gines Viejo to Man-it in Passi City, Iloilo is implemented by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), Iloilo 2nd District Engineering Office, in convergence with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).

The road project aims to support the sugar mill industry in Passi City.

District Engineer Sanny Boy O. Oropel said it is part of the Php 91.7-million, 3-year project of the DPWH, which is composed of construction of 2.5-kilometer road and 80-lineal meter bridge.

“The project started last year with the initial release of Php 60 million for the construction of 531-meter road from Brgy. Gines Viejo to the edge of Jalaur River in Brgy. Gemat-y and a 2-span bridge traversing the said river,” Oropel said.

The project involves road concreting, roadway excavation, paved shoulder, aggregate sub-surface course and reflectorized thermoplastic pavement markings, and construction of a 2-span pre-stressed concrete girder (PSCG) bridge.

“We are expecting to complete the said project in the first quarter next year so it will be totally used by the public,” he added.

The project will open opportunities for economic investments such as tourism, trade, industry and commerce; provide easy access to basic services; decongest traffic in business areas in Passi City, thus reducing the percentage of road hazards; and reduce travel time and transport cost among the people living in the highlands.

Meantime, the district has completed the construction and concreting of the 1.08-kilometer farm-to-mill road in Brgy. Palaypay in Anilao, Iloilo, which include construction of lined canal, cross drainage and slope protection, in the amount of Php 16.659 million.

“With this improved road, transport access of trucks carrying sugar cane from farms to mills became easier and more accessible, boosting the economic development in the area,” Oropel said. (DPWH-6/RPAIO)