By Ellalyn de Vera Ruiz
The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) has deferred the turnover of two farm-to-market roads in Sultan Kudarat after observing some defects in their construction.
(MANILA BULLETIN)
DAR Undersecretary for Foreign-Assisted Special Projects Bernie Cruz deferred the transfer of management and maintenance of a P34.55-million farm-to-market road to officials and residents of Barangay Masiag, Bagumbayan town after he and Mayor Jonalette de Pedro observed thinly-layered gravel and sand in some portions of the 4.15-kilometer road project.
Sticky red clay got stuck to the shoes worn by Cruz, De Pedro, DAR and local government employees and barangay residents after a short walk, especially in the gravel and sand portions of the road.
“We will call the attention of the contractor, Cofejok Construction, to rectify the defects. We cannot turn over any projects that are found defective,” Cruz said.
The DAR official also postponed the turnover of the P7.36-million farm-to-market road in Isulan town, which was constructed by the same construction firm, upon the request of Mayor Maritess Pallasigue.
The mayor said the town’s engineering office, headed by Engr. Dandy Loyola, noticed some cracks during an ocular inspection of the 0.822-kilometer road that connects Barangay Mapantig Proper to the national road.
He called the attention of all contractors to refrain from undertaking inferior construction works or face deferment or delay in the full settlement of the cost of the contracts.
Cruz found consolation in the successful turnover of other support service facilities in the province, such as, a 72-square meter warehouse for corn, worth P1.3 million in Barangay Kalibuhan, Palimbang town, and two 108-square meter warehouses for rubber in Barangay Basag, Sen. Ninoy Aquino municipality and in Barangay Masiag, Bagumbayan town, worth ₱1.35-million and P1.3 million, respectively.