Saddle Road To Be Replaced With P50M Diversion Road

May 14,2012 “Saddle” Road To Be Replaced With P50M Diversion Road By Quirico M. Gorpido,Jr. Maasin City, Southern Leyte-The “saddle” road of which its improvement was discussed at the Agas-Agas building in a presscon with DPWH officials during the recent media tour of the latter’s projects, would no longer push through as planned. Instead, thru the NGO’s petitions addressed to the new DPWH Secretary Rogelio Singson in Manila, the dangerous road in going to San Ricardo, Panaon Island, shall be replaced with the construction of a P50M worth 2-kiometer diversion road in going to brgy.Benit in San Ricardo town. This was the revelation of SL District Engineer Carlos Veloso during a presscon with Congressman Roger Mercado (held at the Villa Romana Hotel((tel no.(053)381-0639)in answer to Pinn Baybay’s inquiry regarding the sad condition of the dangerous “saddle road” that needs immediate attention by the concerned office. Ping Baybay is the editor/publisher of the Southern Leyte Balita. Benit where another roro port was constructed and inaugurated(aside from that of Liloan roro port) by Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo in April 2010,has also provides sea service to travelers in going to Mindanao via Surigao City in less than an hour, according to a reliable source. “Saddle” road is a narrow road curved along the steep cliff in going to San Ricardo town, which is the only way to reach the place. It was claimed by some knowledgeable people of the place that several accidents have occurred during the past years. On the other hand, Engr.Veloso informed Congressman Mercado and the media that all the ongoing constructions of three bridges in Combado, Abgao and San Roque, Macrohon are expected to be finished on June 30, 2012. He said he received instructions from Secretary Singson that the 3 projects must be completed on such date when all kinds of vehicles could already pass through it. He said he told the contractors about the Secretary’s order and assured him to comply with Singson’s desire. With the upcoming construction of the diversion road, after the winning bidder/contractor would sign the contract, it is hopefully expected that the project would start as soon as possible. (Quirico M. Gorpido,Jr.)