The local government of Manila has given an ultimatum to the Department of Public Works and Highways to finish the Lagusnilad underpass renovation on 30 November so it can be operational for the expected holiday rush next month.
Manila Mayor Honey Lacuna showed disgust over the long delay, especially since the portion of rehabilitation on the part of the city government had been finished a long time ago.
It was learned that the DPWH haggled with the mayor, who wanted the underpass reopened on 15 November, citing the inconvenience to motorists caused by the delay on the part of the DPWH.
City Engineer Armand Andres said that when the repair works began in May, the targeted date of reopening was after four to five months.
He explained that while the city government undertook the repair of the roads for the approach and exit to and from Lagusnilad, the DPWH is in charge of fixing the "chamber" which serves as the catch basin of floodwaters that are to be pumped upward and away from the underpass.
"Ang problema, hindi sila sumabay sa amin nung inumpisahan na naming gawin 'yung share ng city," he said, adding that from time to time, his office would follow up with the DPWH either through face-to-face meetings or other forms of verbal communication.
Said underpass had been undergoing rehabilitation for which around P50 million had been spent by the local government for its upgrading, concreting and drainage repair.
The Lagusnilad is under the national government but the city government undertook its repair since all complaints for the sorry state of the said underpass fell on the city.
Andres said about 235 linear meters and an average width of 6.3 linear meters of Lagusnilad underwent rehabilitation.
Lacuna said that the underpass was made in the 60s during the time of the late Mayor Antonio Villegas but had been overused and thus sustained damages. It likewise becomes flooded during the rainy season.
In 2014, a pump was installed to suck all water underneath and the city government needed to upgrade it.
The funding for the said project was taken from the capital outlay of road networks for the fiscal year 2023.
