BAYOMBONG, Nueva Vizcaya—Lawmakers here have asked the Department of Public Works and Highways to exert more effort in ensuring the implementation of quality road projects in the province.
In a resolution approved by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, Vice Governor Lambert Galima Jr. requested Public Works Secretary Mark Villar “to implement proper inspection rules and policies of all ongoing infrastructure projects here.”
While there are many ongoing road works and infrastructure projects in the province, Galima said there is a need for strict inspection and implemented safety measures.
“These are needed to avoid occurrence of accidents, and to ensure quality projects based on standard specifications set by DPWH and (Provincial) Engineering Offices,” he said.
The vice governor also cited a report of the Philippine National Police, where the most number of crimes that occurred here were vehicular accidents caused by poor traffic and road safety management among project contractors.
Galima also lamented the deterioration of road quality here, as roads built five years ago were supposed to carry a lifespan of 20 years but most of them are easily damaged after just three to five years.
“Despite the adjustments made by DPWH on quality standard and design, early road deterioration is yet obvious and the target lifespan of the roads were not met,” he said.
Galima also said strict quality control and work supervision must be done, especially when these road projects are bound by timetable to prevent their short lifespan.
“Some projects of the DPWH failed to obtain proper compaction, improper moisture conditioning, quality of materials, and inaccurate layer of thickness after compaction, which directly and adversely affects the performance of the pavement,” he added.
The DPWH should continuously develop its technology for ensuring the safety of all infrastructure facilities, and securing all public works and highways with “the highest efficiency and quality in construction,” Galima said.