The public works department is fast-tracking the completion of the Boracay Circumferential Road in time for the island resort’s opening next month, according to its chief.
Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Mark A. Villar admitted that work for the said road has hit several roadblocks due to incessant rains in the island. He explained that the maintenance crew “had to endure 47 days of rainy weather” in Boracay since rehab works started 82 days ago.
However, he noted that the team in Boracay is “working double time” to make the road accessible by the time the island opens again for tourism on October 26.
“With only over a month left for Boracay’s soft opening, DPWH personnel and equipment are making up for the work that have been slowed down by incessant rain,” Villar said.
DPWH Region 6 Assistant Regional Director Jose Al V. Fruto reported that a total of 1.13 kilometers of one-lane road has been paved and 2.91 kilometers of high-density polyethylene drainage pipes have been installed along the existing 4.1-kilometer Boracay Circumferential Road.
“We expect the delivery of some 628 pipes within the month as we target to complete the drainage component of Boracay Circumferential Road by the first week of October. Along the installation of pipes, the road concreting immediately follows,” he said.