Tacloban mayor Romualdez seeks transparency in San Juanico Bridge repair project
Tacloban City Mayor Alfred Romualdez has called for full transparency and expert evaluation on the planned rehabilitation of the San Juanico Bridge, which links the islands of Samar and Leyte in Eastern Visayas.
The Tacloban City Council declared a state of emergency on Thursday to expedite the mobilization of resources following the Department of Public Works and Highways' (DPWH) recommendation to limit use of the bridge due to safety concerns.
'So, to be quite frank, medyo nalilito rin ako (I am perplexed),' Romualdez said in a video statement.
'I feel the public should be given all the information pertaining to the condition of the bridge,' he added.
He urged the national government to disclose the study that determined the bridge's current state and provide details on the extent of the damage and the timeline for repairs.
'This is not the first time,' he said, recalling a previous repair on the bridge 20 years ago that allowed for a six-month preparation period.
Romualdez emphasized the need for independent experts to assess the bridge's condition and verify the cost of rehabilitation, which was initially estimated at P800 million but now stands at P7 billion.
'Even if you spend P7 billion, a feasibility study, a project study, and a careful analysis should have been made,' he said.
He also warned against using the current crisis to justify the construction of another bridge without going through the right process.
A recent assessment by the DPWH raised concerns about the bridge's structural integrity.
As part of precautions, the DPWH has temporarily prohibited vehicles weighing more than three tons from crossing the 2.16-kilometer bridge.
Since May 18, pedestrians have been prohibited from crossing the bridge on foot. Instead, they should use coasters and light vehicles for their safety.
On Friday, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) said the restrictions on San Juanico Bridge could result in up to P600 million in monthly economic losses, as 14,000 vehicles cross the infrastructure daily.
'The abrupt imposition of restrictions has stranded more than 200 vehicles and is projected to result in monthly economic losses ranging from P300 million to P600 million,' the NDRRMC said.
Among the affected sectors are food and fuel supply, delivery of healthcare services, commercial distribution, and regional trade.
Aside from Tacloban City, Samar Province is under a state of emergency due to the bridge repair project. —VBL, GMA Integrated News
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