Pampanga bridge delayed due to “technical issues,” says contractor

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO–A P40-million bridge project at Macabebe town in Pampanga province has suffered a nine-month delay due to technical issues, prompting the contractor to seek a two-month extension from the Department of Public Works and Highways to complete the 60-linear meter access way.

Construction firm Eddmarie needed additional time to put in place concrete slabs at the Caduang Tete Bridge, which is 80-percent complete, and which motorists use to reach the town center, according to project manager Arnel Arguelles in a statement.

The delay was due to issues “beyond the control” of the contractor, Arguelles said.

Six houses stood in the right-of-way of the bridge, he said, while Caduang Tete River, a tributary of the Pampanga River, rose to levels that made it difficult to launch the girder.

The DPWH also ordered a redesign of the bridge because the piers did not fit, Arguelles said, and it took time to remove and transfer electric posts that cost P400,000, which was not in the budget.

“We apologize to motorists for the inconveniences. We apologize to local officials for causing them unnecessary worries. We thank the DPWH Pampanga District Office for understanding the causes of delay,” said Arguelles.

He said the company was willing to pay liquidated damages, estimated at one-tenth of 10 percent for every day of delay.