ARMM Gov. Hataman asks district engineering offices to fast-track infra projects

COTABATO CITY – Governor Mujiv Hataman of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) has asked the region’s Department of Public Works and Highways’ (DPWH-ARMM) district engineering offices to fast-track pending infrastructure projects in their respective areas. Ang goal ay ma-check ang status ng projects para malaman kung ano yung maa-accomplish bago matapos ang taon, said Gov. Hataman during an event dubbed Governor’s Initiative for Systems Assessment held on Tuesday, July 31, in Cotabato City. It’s very important to hasten the implementation of our projects. Next week i me-meet namin lahat ng local government units and contractors para kausapin sila regarding the projects, said Don Mustapha Loong, DPWH-ARMM Regional Secretary. In anticipation of the transition to the Bangsamoro Organic Law, the Public Works Secretary wants to have a smooth transition to the next government. Nag-set tayo ng deadline na dapat within this year matapos yung mga projects natin para in preparation for the assumption of the Bangsamoro government by either January 2019 kaya lahat ng energies natin nakatutok to ensure that we are ready and prepared for the turnover to the Bangsamoro, he said.Meanwhile, four dump trucks were added to the fleet of the DPWH to aid this endeavor. Ito yung mga equipment na makakatulong para sa pagpapabilis ng pagi-implement ng ating mga projects, at pag-maintain ng ating mga roads and bridges, said Sec. Loong.Lanao 1st district, Sulu 1st and 2nd districts, and Basilan district engineering offices received the dump trucks on Wednesday in a ceremonial turnover organized by the DPWH-ARMM. Aside from their use for construction, Sec. Loong said the trucks can also be used for quick response during disasters. Sa pag-respond sa mga disasters and calamities, katulad ngayon, yung sunog saSulu, makakatulong yung mga dump trucks na ganito sa pag-deliver ng relief goods, he said.As of date, DPWH has paved 1,547 kilometers of roads and built 83 bridges installed 210 units of water supply systems and constructed 30 flood control structures, 60 units of drainage structures, 89 seaports, and 51 shore protection and other infrastructures.