Key road upgrade works are underway in the Philippines

Works are now underway on an upgrade to a 222km stretch of road connecting Samar to Eastern Samar in the Philippines. The US Government is funding the work through its Millennium Challenge programme, which is worth some US$434 million.

The road improvement forms part of the Secondary National Roads Development Project and will help boost access for the community. A consortium comprising 6789 CM Panco Construction and 3192 DM Consunji is now working on the CP 1 contract, which includes a 16km section of road and the Tabucan Bridge replacement in Paranas. A consortium comprising MAC Builders and the 6790 Chinese Qingjian Group won the CP 3 contract, for 64.6km of road as well as six bridges between the San Julian and Sulat town boundary, and the municipal boundary of Balangkayan and Llorente in Eastern Samar. The CP 2 contract is for 64km stretch of road from Paranas' Brgy Tenani to the San Julian and Sulat municipal boundary. Tenders are also open for the Millennium Challenge programme for Contract Package CP 4. The project involves upgrading of the Wright-Taft-Borongan-Guiuan Road stretching 222km between Western and Eastern Samar. Under CP 4, a road that stretches 79.5 km from Balangkayan/Llorente Municipal Boundary to Guiuan, Eastern Samar will be upgraded. The project is financed with $214.4 million from the Millennium Challenge.

The pre-bid conference for the contract is to take place on 8th November 2012. The companies are to submit their bids by 8th January 2013 and they will be opened to the public on the same day. The contract is expected to begin on 23rd April 2013 for a period of 1,095 days.