TACLOBAN CITY - Bolt replacement has caused another delay of the highly anticipated San Juanico Bridge Aesthetic Lighting Project according to a joint statement of the Department of Tourism and the Department of Public Works and Highways.
After a series of dry-run testing, the P80-million worth project remains to be enjoyed by the public since, in January, DPWH has informed the provincial government of Samar and Amigo Entertainment Technologies Inc. that they were advised by Japan International Cooperation Agency the need to replace the bolts according to Japan standards.
It cited the need to replace the bolts of the 50-year-old bridge to maintain its strength.
"We call on everyone's understanding that it is better to err on the side of caution, for the safety of our commuters and the public that traverses the bridge," a statement said.
The longest bridge in the country connects Leyte and Samar islands.
In 2017, the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA) granted the request of the Provincial Government of Samar and DOT8 to fund the project.
In March 2019, the project was awarded to Amigo Entertainment Technologies Inc., which according to them is now 95 percent completed including the installation of wirings and cables and the fabrication of LED lights.
The replacement of bolts and arches of the bridge is set to be completed in December 2021.
Amigo is also expected to complete the remaining 5 percent of the project by then.