LOOK: Continuous road repairs in Dagupan inconvenience residents

An ongoing project of the Dagupan City Water District (DCWD) in Barangay Caranglaan in Pangasinan province. IVC PHOTO

(Editor’s Note: Because the last presidential debate before the 2016 elections was held in Dagupan City, Pangasinan, members of the Inquirer Volunteer Corps from PHINMA-University of Pangasinan have written articles on the pressing issues their city and province are facing, in the hopes that the next president of the Philippines will listen and take action.)

Third of a series

In at least three barangays in Dagupan City, continuous road constructions are supposed to improve the city’s streets and ease up travel around the city. However, residents, commuters and drivers believe otherwise, due to the length of time of construction and the misplaced signs explaining the projects’ purposes.

“I can’t measure the troubles brought about by the road construction,” said bus driver Fred Velasco, who regularly plies the roads.

Since construction in Barangays Tapuac, Caranglaan and Pantal has started, for instance, not only did commuting through the city take an hour or two longer, but bus drivers go on fewer trips–and thus earn less profit.

And it’s not just bus drivers, too. Business owners also claim that their stores and eateries do not attract as many customers because of dust in the area brought about by the projects.

Inquirer volunteers reached out to the Dagupan city planning office but got no comment as of press time. The office also did not release as of press time the plans regarding its for drainage and road rehabilitation projects.

While Dagupeños wait for construction to finish, they are left to wonder: Is there really a benefit to these projects? Would it help the city become safer and more accessible to travelers, or would these lengthy periods of inconvenience continue to add to the daily problems of the city’s residents?

Photos below from the Inquirer Volunteer Corps:

In Barangay Tapuac, the road-widening and drainage-clearing projects of the local government have been ongoing for some time.

On Nable Road in Dagupan City, residents of Barangay Pantal have no clear idea how long the drainage construction will take. 

Among Dagupeños who are affected are tricycle driver Alex Norzagarray (left) and Victoria Salinas, owner of Evick Salinas Eatery. Norzagarray says it’s harder to traverse roads due to the construction in Barangay Pantal, while Salinas claims that less people now visit her small eatery because of the dust brought about by the construction in Barangay Taupac.