[ Manila Bulletin Online ] October 20, 2008
By JACK C. GADAINGAN
TACLOBAN CITY – The construction of a new road from the town of Burauen in the 2nd district of Leyte province to the municipality of Albuera in the 4th district, that will also serve as an alternate route for vehicles coming from Mindanao and western part of Leyte to Ormoc City and Western Visayas areas, is scheduled to start before the end of this year.
This was disclosed by Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Leyte 2nd Engineering District Engineer Margarita Junia, who said that the bidding process is already underway and works on the project could start by the third week of November.
She said this P1.286-billion Burauen-Albuera road is one of the priority projects of President Arroyo in Region 8.
It is a "dream come true" for the people of Burauen that have been longing for the road for a long time, and it was made possible through the efforts of Leyte 2nd district Rep. Trinidad Apostol, Junia said.
This 34-kilometer highway will start at the town proper of Burauen along the Jaro-Burauen-La Paz national road and ends at Barangay San Pedro in Albuera town, along the Ormoc-Baybay-Maasin national road.
Junia said the road traverses the mountainous and upland villages of the two towns.
It was learned that at present, this road is not passable since almost 21 percent of the approximate length is yet still to be opened, it was learned.
Junia said the project is divided into six packages, with Packages 1 to 2 consisting of asphalt paving and construction of line canal; Package 3 to 5 are road opening, asphalt paving and construction of line canal; and Package 6 - construction of three reinforced concrete deck girder (RCDG) bridges.
DPWH regional director Angelito Twano said realization of this project will reduce travel time in going to the west side of Leyte from the east and consequently reduce overhead expenses, as it will provide access to the remote areas of the two towns considering they are the biggest abaca producers.
It will significantly enhance economic growth, promote ecotourism, and minimize if not eradicate insurgency problem in the area, said Twano.
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