By Mike Crismundo
BUTUAN CITY – The regional office of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) in Caraga region has started mobilizing its field engineers and technical men for the resumption of infrastructure projects under the “Build, Build, Build” program.
Following the downgrade of restrictions from enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) to general community quarantine (GCQ), the regional leadership and action center of DPWH based here directed all division chiefs and District Engineers (DEs) from the various District Engineering Offices (DEOs) spread in the five provinces and six cities in Caraga region to initiate the resumption of ground works of infrastructure projects, after it was suspended due to ECQ.
Under the “Build, Build, Build” projects, construction workers from the different construction firms accredited by the DPWH will be allowed to work but under the GCQ protocol.
Under the GCQ, private and public construction projects will be allowed to resume following compliance with construction safety guidelines prescribed for the implementation of infrastructure projects during the COVID-19 public health crisis.
“Ground work activities shall be under daily strict monitoring by the safety officer at site to ensure compliance to safety standards and quarantine protocols under the GCQ health rules and requirements,” DPWH 13 Regional Director Engr. Pol M. Delos Santos pointed out.
Daily monitoring of the health conditions of workers, before and after work, shall be mandatory, he said.
On the other hand, concessionaires, contractors, subcontractors, and suppliers shall provide for their personnel the necessary welfare facilities and amenities, such as employees’ quarters for board and lodging, ensuring compliance to social distancing, proper hygiene, etc.
Prior to deployment, construction personnel shall be required to undergo COVID-19 test, as may be prescribed by DOH, and retested as the need arises, it said.
Only persons from 21 to 59 years of age, without pre-existing health conditions, such as, but not limited to, immunodeficiency, comorbidities, or other health risks shall be allowed to be included in the workforce.
Under the “Build, Build, Build” program for the year 2020, the regional office of the DPWH has more than P1.12 billion in infrastructure projects in various parts of Caraga region.