Solon seeks probe on P1.7 billion road rehab

BY DEXTER A SEE

LA TRINIDAD, Benguet – Rep. Samuel M. Dangwa is seeking a congressional inquiry on the rehabilitation of the Baguio-Benguet-Nueva Vizcaya Road which does not reportedly meet international standards.

He said almost complete rehabilitation of the vital road could pass as a first-class farm-to-market road, but not as a national road.

"It is too narrow for a two-way traffic, especially if it involves buses and big trailer trucks," he said.
The congressman was scheduled to meet with the manager of the contractor, the Cavite Ideal International Construction and Development Corp., to air his concerns relative to the implementation of the P1.7-billion project funded by both the Japanese and Philippine governments.

Dangwa said regardless of what is the outcome of the meeting, he will insist that adjustments be made to make the 68-kilometer highway conform with international standards to ensure the safety of motorists and the commuting public.

It was earlier announced that this national road will be a major link in Northern Luzon and the lowland regions. It is also envisioned to play a major role in helping boost the economic development and tap the tourism potentials of the Cordillera and Northern Luzon.

Noting that it is too narrow for a national highway, Dangwa said it is as good as a farm-to-market road.

He also said that the standards used in the rehabilitation of the Marcos, Naguilian Roads and Kennon Roads, which continue to serve as major transport routes, should be used in similar road projects in the Cordillera.