GENERAL SANTOS CITY – Local government officials led the groundbreaking ceremony of a pedestrian overpass – the first in General Santos City in southern Philippines – worth around P11.9 million.
Representatives from the Department of Public Works and Highways and Mayor Ronnel Rivera led the ceremony in the village of Calumpang. The 30-foot long overpass will be constructed at the corner of Cahilsot Street which is strategically positioned so students from nearby schools can use it to cross the highway.
“Now, we can have a peace of mind knowing that our children are safe while they cross the streets,” Rivera said, adding, two other footbridges would also be constructed near the Notre Dame of Dadiangas University and St. Elizabeth Hospital.
Rivera said the construction of footbridges will also help ease the traffic here.
It will take 142 days before the footbridge will be finished, starting January 12.
Engineer Pio Lumungsod, head of the local DPWH office, said the budget for the construction of the overpass comes from the Motor Vehicle User Charge which is managed by the agency’s Road Board.
He said the DPWH is also partnering with the local government for the installation of street lights in Katangawan and Apopong villages.
He said for the past year alone, the DPWH installed 617 street lights using light emitting diodes which are more durable and economical compared to tungsten and mercury lamps. The City Government allocated P46 million for the street lighting project.
“I am really glad that the local government is really working hand-in-hand with us in our projects, especially on the road constructions and street-lighting,” he said. (Mindanao Examiner. With a report from Ian John Lagare)
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