Key city officials Friday met with Public Works Undersecretary Dimas Soguilon and other representatives from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) as well as private contractors to harmonize several national and local government funded civil works projects to be implemented in the city.

The city government was represented by City Admininistrator Apple Go, City Legal Officer Atty. Jesus Carbon, City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Officer Dr. Elmeir Apolinario and City Planning and Development Coordinator Engr. Rodrigo Sicat, among others. Also present were representatives from the Zamboanga City Water District (ZCWD).

Atty. Carbon assured USec. Soguilon and concerned private contractors that the city government has no intention of impeding any of the department’s plans for the city, especially the flyover interchanges, provided that the ongoing road widening project be first completed.

In fact, according to the legal officer, Mayor Beng Climaco appreciates the agency’s efforts to introduce projects that will alleviate the lives of the Zamboangueño people.

For his part, USec. Soguilon has assured the city government that DPWH will proceed with the various projects as soon as all the legal requirements have been complied with. He also sought understanding for any lapse that may have been committed with respect to the same developments.

Among the national civil work plans discussed were the planned flyover interchanges, underpasses and long span bridges to be built along some of the city’s major thoroughfares, particularly Gov. Camins Avenue, MCLL Highway and Veterans Avenue where traffic congestion is heaviest.

Also included in the agenda were the different drainage plans for barangays Tetuan and Kasanyangan. (PR and photos: Claudine Uniana)