Seven months after the P2B Improvement of Digos-Cotabato Road Project started, road safety barriers and signage for commuters and vehicles is still a problem.
During the Provincial Project Monitoring Advisory Group (PPMAG) 8th regular meeting last March 24 at the Provincial Capitol Rooftop, the consolidated report from the Regional (RPMC-XII) and Provincial Project Monitoring Committees (PPMC) said that “early warning signs and bollards are not adequate and properly maintained”. It further stated that some existing road signs and bollards are not within the standard design and size” and there is an “improper placement” of said devices in terms of distance RPMC and PPMC conducted a joint monitoring last February 22-24 on the on-going Digos-Cotabato national road improvement.
The group also reported that in some areas, warning signs are no longer legible during night time; while in other sites, no safety devices were found “on sections where there are gaps between the completed PCCP (Portland Cement Concrete Pavement) and the existing (old) PCCP”.
Project engineers from DPWH National Office who were tasked to closely monitor the implementation of the said project also gave similar reports during the same forum.
In disgust, Cotabato Governor Emmylou “Lala” J. Talino-Mendoza told DPWH to inform the Central Office about said observations so they may “blacklist hardheaded contractors” if necessary.
“Definitely, they (contractors) will be engaging in other provinces and will showcase this project as their accomplishment. Something must say about their non-compliance such as not putting up the necessary safety devices, etc.” This will also serve as guide or reference for the Bids and Awards Committee (BAC), for us, the Regional Development Council (RDC), and the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDa), she added.
The governor further expressed displeasure knowing that the said problem has been posing hazards to motorists and the fact that it was discussed in PPMAG’s earlier meetings and yet “it seems nothing has changed”.
As she explained worst scenarios or untoward incidents that may possibly happen if some victims of project-related-accidents or their families “can no longer be appeased”, Taliño-Mendoza appealed to contractors to use the money intended for road signage and other necessary safety devices and most of all follow quality standards to ensure public safety and possibly lessen the inconvenience for commuters.
The PPMAG had been holding regular meeting to monitor and address issues and concerns in the implementation of the Digos-Cotabato road project. Chaired by Governor Taliño-Mendoza, PPMAG is composed of NGOs, National Economic Development Authority (NEDA), MinDA, Local Chief Executives, contactors, DENR, SP Committee on Public Works and Highways, Provincial Treasurer’s Office, and DPWH 1st and 2nd District Engineers and Project Engineers. Aside from status updates of the project, security updates were also given every meeting by the PNP and AFP. The Provincial Planning and Development Office serves as the PPMAG Secretariat.
