MARIVELES, Bataan, (PNA) — The historical zigzag road in this town that spans more than three kilometers is undergoing rehabilitation and upgrading with more than P46.5 million funds from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).
Governor Albert Garcia said opening of the zigzag road was moved from August 26 to September 25 this year due to delays brought about by tropical storm Maring and the monsoon rains.
Garcia said he and Mariveles mayor Jesse Concepcion thought of the idea of widening the road as an alternative to the absence of a modern seaport mulled for the Freeport Area of Bataan (FAB).
“Mayor Jesse and I thought to widen the zigzag road for an easy transport of materials and finished products going to and coming from the Freeport,” the governor said.
More than 60 multi-national companies are presently operating in the FAB.
The governor and the mayor said not only investors but tourists will be enjoying the full view of the sceneries below the zigzag road.
The mayor said the upgrading and widening of the road will be the first after more than 70 years.
The zigzag was deaf mute witness to the hardships of weary Filipino-American prisoners of war who climbed the stiff road on April 10, 1942 during the infamous Death March.
Concepcion said repairs were made before but not as exhaustive as the present works being done by the DPWH.
Engr. Maribel Navarro, chief construction section of the second engineering district in Bataan, said rehabilitation, reconstruction and upgrading of the road started last April 1 under a budget of P46,523,324.96 awarded to Orani Builders and Supply.
She said that district engineer Reynaldo Venturina has directed a strict monitoring of the activities in the project.