Cement short; delays government projects

By Eva Visperas

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan – The province is experiencing a shortage of cement, an official said Wednesday.

Contractors have complained of the delay in the completion of government projects since January due to the shortage, said district engineer Rodolfo Dion.

Dion said some contractors who ordered 200 bags only got 30 bags.

He cited the construction of a two-story school building in San Jacinto town and the Padilla Bridge in Lingayen, which were affected by the cement shortage.

Dion said the Department of Public Works and Highways is giving consideration to contractors who may not be able to meet their deadline because of the shortage.

“The delay is not their fault,” he said.

Dion said the price of cement in Pangasinan has increased from P235 to P252 per bag. He said the problem is expected to continue until May.