Supposed to be completed early this year
TACLOBAN CITY, – The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPHW) and the Department of Tourism (DOT) issued a joint statement informing the public that the long awaited San Juanico Aesthetic Lighting project will be delayed due to the on-going bolt replacement project.
“In January this year (2021), the DPWH VIII informed the provincial government of Samar and Amigo that they were advised by JICA that there is a need to replace the bolts of the bridge according to Japan standards,” the joint statement said.
“It is noteworthy to mention that the bridge is almost 50 years old and replacement of the bolts to strengthen the bridge takes the top priority,” the statement added.
The replacement of the bolts in the arch portion of the bridge will be completed by the DPWH in December 2021.
Amigo will also be able to complete the remaining five percent of its deliveries by that time.
“The opening of the light and sound of the San Juanico Bridge has been highly anticipated by everyone. At the same time, we call on everyone’s understanding that it is better to err on the side of caution for the safety of our commuters and the public that traverses the bridge,” the statement said.
“Rest assured that all of the concerned parties are working together for the benefit of everyone and for the completion of the necessary activities to showcase the significance and the beauty of the San Juanico Bridge,” it added.
The Tourism Infrastructure Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA) in 2017 granted the request of the provincial government of Samar and the DOT-8 to fund the San Juanico Bridge Aesthetic amounting to P80 million.
The project was awarded to Amigo Entertainment Technologies Incorporated in March 2019.
As of August 2021, Amigo was able to implement 95 percent of its commitment.
As counterpart to the project the provincial government, contributed a project equity amounting to P15 million awarded to Samelco II and Asiaphil, Incorporated for the installation of a separate high voltage power supply facility that will be used for the operation of the lights and sound show.
Various dry-run testing were also conducted to make sure that expected technical issues will be addressed and resolved.
The project was earlier targeted to be completed earlier this year but with series of problems encountered notably the restrictions caused by the coronavirus disease pandemic, its completion was affected.
(ROEL T. AMAZONA)
