THE CONSTRUCTION of the Ma-a Flyover Project is experiencing delays primarily due to persistent road right-of-way issues and obstructions, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) XI clarified on Wednesday.
Despite these setbacks, the DPWH assured the public that the project is fully funded and actively ongoing.
DPWH XI spokesperson Dean Ortiz explained that the project, which commenced in 2021, involves two main components: the construction of the substructure (21LO0141), completed in January 2024, and the superstructure (22LO0017), which began in April 2022 and is currently 82.5% complete.
The total budget for the flyover is P2.0704 billion, with P1.6 billion allocated for civil works and P400 million for road right-of-way acquisition.
Ortiz revealed that the project has faced significant delays, resulting in five suspensions over its duration and a two-year holdup.
“The project faced persistent delays, mostly because of the road right-of-way. In fact, it was suspended five times over the course of its duration,” he stated.
Addressing concerns about funding, Ortiz affirmed that the project is “fully funded,” meaning all necessary funds have been allocated.
While the superstructure is “significantly completed” with the center island and railings installed (railings expected by September), the primary challenge remains the working area, particularly the need to widen the road approaches.
He emphasized that widening the road by adding two lanes on each side is crucial to provide ample working space for the contractor and minimize inconvenience to the public. Ortiz also clarified that utility companies like Davao Light and Power Co. and telecommunications providers contribute to the right-of-way challenges.
“Basically people have to understand that the major concern is the working area,” Ortiz said, noting that the existing six-lane Carlos P. Garcia Highway (Diversion Road) has been reduced to barely one and a half lanes in some sections due to the ongoing construction.
The DPWH is prioritizing the acquisition of four key properties, including two major real estate companies, one gas station, and one private individual.
Ortiz explained that delays in property acquisition stem from various factors, such as real estate companies taking time to submit requirements and properties being mortgaged to banks, which requires coordination for mortgage release before payment can be made to owners.
“If you are coming from the south every morning, you will see how congested the traffic is. It’s because of one property that we haven’t acquired yet. Now, negotiations are ongoing with the property owner, and once we get it, it would spell a big difference sa atoang proyekto,” Ortiz added.
Ortiz said the timeline of completion largely depends on the coordination with banks for mortgaged properties. He also dismissed any speculation of political interference, reiterating that the project is fully funded and that funds are released based on project progress.
