SAN JOSE, Antique, Dec. 10 (PNA) — Solong bridge in Sibalom, Antique is able to get a new funding of PHP98 million from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to finally see its completion after 12 years of delay.
Antique Governor Rhodora Cadiao said that finally, residents of the 18 barangays would be connected to the Sibalom town proper through the bridge within the next 240 working days.
She said that she lobbied for the project completion because of its essentiality. Funding for the bridge completion is taken from the DPWH 2015 savings.
Solong bridge was started in 2002 under the term of then Antique Governor Salvacion Zaldivar Perez and Sibalom Mayor Erick Lotilla who lobbied for funding from the Department of Interior and Local Government headed then by Secretary Joey Lina. The project got an initial funding of PHP 40 million as a presidential bridge. However, only 120 lineal meters of the bridge were constructed with 360 lineal meters still to be undertaken.
With the new funding, the DPWH through the winning contractor will be carrying out the completion of pier 3,4, and 5, superstructures, approaches and scour protection and other needed works within the next 240 days.
Antique Vice Governor Edgar Denosta and Board Member Ray Roquero both expressed support to the completion of the project, acknowledging how important it is for the people with a number of drowning incidents already.
Vice Governor Denosta said that the bridge can even be part of the provincial road someday for it serves not only Sibalom, but would also be an access road to barangays in Patnongon town.
Roquero, meanwhile, said that the bridge could provide better access for the people in the barangays who bring their agricultural produce to the public market in Sibalom town proper. (PNA)