The Lagusnilad underpass in front of the Manila City Hall will reopen to motorists today (Nov. 28) after a six-month rehabilitation period, the Department of Public Works and Highways said.
The rehabilitation of the Lagusnilad passage started on May 2 and was supposed to be completed in September.
The DPWH, however, requested for a two-month extension due to some technical major repair works, including the flood control.
The repair of the overpass had a budget of P75 million, with P50 million coming from the city government and P25 million from the national government through the DPWH.
Delays in the completion of the project caused daily heavy traffic in the area.
Meanwhile, the DPWH completed the construction of the P33.78 million flood control structure in Barangay Tigkan in Naujan, Mindoro Oriental.
DPWH Secretary Manuel Bonoan said the new river wall spanning 20 meters was a necessary protective measure against flooding during heavy downpours.
According to Mindoro Oriental District Engineer Salvador Abad, the newly-constructed structure was designed to redirect the river flow safeguarding the riverbank, the urban and agricultural communities and other economically significant areas.
The DPWH official said that the project will protect farmlands and make the communities more resilient to climate change and its unpredictable consequences.
“The successful completion of this flood mitigation system underscores DPWH’s commitment to the safety and well-being of the people,” Abad added.