6 infra projects get Council nod

CEBU, Philippines — The Cebu City Council has authorized outgoing Mayor Tomas Osmeña to sign contracts with five private firms for various infrastructure projects in the city.

The authority comes after City Council members approved on May 21 the six resolutions of Councilor Jerry Guardo, who sits as chairman of the council’s committee on infrastructure.

These six contracts include flood-control project in Barangay Apas under Aluy Kontrakworks and Supply with a contract amount of P5. 4 million; embankment construction in Barangay Basak San Nicolas under Pagay Construction, P4 million; and construction of Portland cement concrete pavement in Barangay Lorega under Yes Construction; P4.6 million.

Others are construction of concrete pavement in Barangay Quiot under La Prueba Construction, P2.7 million; rehabilitation of the drainage system in Barangay Cogon Ramos under Circle Z Ventures and Development Corp., P3.7 million; and improvement of road in Barangay Lahug under Aluy Kontrakworks and Supply, P1.9 million.

Guardo attached to his resolutions copies of notices of award for the contracts which were issued on March 8 and March 26.

Under the contracts, the city government shall ensure that all necessary permits are secured before the projects start. It shall also pay the contract amounts, and among others.

The contractors are also obliged to fulfill the projects in accordance with the program of works and estimates (POWE). Part of their responsibilities is to begin the work within seven calendar days upon receipt of the notice to proceed.

The City Legal Office reviewed the contracts before they were forwarded to the council.

“A meticulous scrutiny of the above-mentioned Construction Agreements show that the provisions contained therein are in accordance with law, and are not contrary to morals, good customs, public order or public policy,” a portion of the legal opinion signed by City Attorney Joseph Bernaldez read.

Guardo said the contractors are allowed to start work as soon as the notice to proceed (NTP) will be issued to them.

However, he has no idea yet on the date of the signing of the contracts since it is the prerogative of the mayor to set the schedule.

“The council already gave the mayor the authority to sign the contract with the winning bidders. He can issue anytime the notice to proceed with the contractors to proceed with the implementation of the projects,” Guardo told The FREEMAN. (FREEMAN)