Roads at landslide-prone area near completion amidst pandemic
By DPWH Caraga
BUTUAN CITY — Despite mobility restrictions imposed under community quarantine as a measure to stem the spread of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), the construction of damaged roads along Agusan-Bukidnon Road, particularly in Barangay Calayagon, Buenavista, Agusan del Norte, which is declared landslide-prone area, is progressing albeit slow-paced to attain its target completion date.
The deadly threat brought by COVID-19 global pandemic has redirected the focus of construction activities towards building health facilities, and conversion of public buildings to quarantine facilities to address the overflow of patients in hospitals and to safeguard the Filipino people against this deadly unseen foe.
However, the construction of important projects is still a top-most priority according to Secretary Mark A. Villar because construction is an essential economic driver to keep the Philippine economy afloat amidst this crisis.
“Those on-going projects that can be done despite quarantine restrictions must continue because, fortunately, we need construction to keep our economy going,” said Sec. Mark A. Villar.
The Rehabilitation/ Reconstruction of Roads with Slips, Slope Collapse and Landslide-Tertiary Roads-Agusan-Bukidnon Road (K1260+587.6+K1260+673.5), which was damaged due to Tropical Storm Seniang in 2015, is one of those projects viable to pursue amidst COVID-19, and essential as torrential heavy rains start to pound the ground in this region. The fast completion of this project is highly anticipated by the residents to ensure fast mobility of people, goods and services come rainy season without fear of being ran aground by rummaging debris and soil.
As of May 15, 2020 physical accomplishment is already at 90.16%. The project was started in February 20, 2020 and its target completion is on August 24, 2020 under the CY-2020 DPWH Regular Infrastructure Program of Agusan del Norte District Engineering Office. (DPWH Caraga with news from Agusan del Norte DPAIS/PIA Agusan del Norte)
