The P206 million Bankerohan bridge project has not been forgotten by the Department of Public Works and Highways after all. DPWH SM regional director Jerome Dela Rosa said they have merely kept their mouth shut until they got the Notice To Proceed from their head office. Dela Rosa's declaration came amid a castigation from Secretary Hermogenes Ebdane, Jr. due to the negative publicity hounding the project.
Dela Rosa said among the reasons for the delay are
1. Commission on Audit Rules and Regulations
2. Berthing place for the materials to be used for the construction
3. Delay in release of other important documents
4. Decision to dredge the area near the Bolton Bridge to allow the barge to pass
Based on the contract between Ciriaco Corporation and the government, the construction of the bridge will start from January 14 and is expected to be completed by August 14.
In Davao City, accountability to the project is being passed like a basketball, between Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte (who said it is a national project) and Representative Prospero Nograles (who is blaming DPWH). There is as yet no movement of materials at the destroyed Bankerohan Bridge except for a few locals who have made the area a basketball court.
