DOLE stops work at Skyway Extension
Skyway Extension (GMA News Photo)
By John Clifford Lintao
THE much-awaited Skyway Extension project is snagged anew as the Department of Labor and Employment on Monday ordered a work stoppage to make way for the investigation following Saturday’s deadly accident involving a steel girder.
In a virtual press briefing, the labor department’s spokesperson Rolly Francia said the order by DOLE-National Capital Region covers the entire stretch of the project, or from Susana Heights in Muntinlupa City to Sucat in Parañaque.
“Ang pagpapahinto po ng construction ay piinag-utos upang mabigyang daan ang imbestigasyon upang malaman kung may mga violation na nagawa o na-commit sa construction site at upang alamin din ano ang hawak na lisensya ng mga contractors at subcontractors at kung may paglabag sa labor and safety standards,” Francia said.
Francia said the order, which was issued to the contractor EEI Corp. and its subcontractors, initially covers only the site of the accident in Muntinlupa City.
“Both the northbound and southbound leading to Susana Heights kaya ayon ‘yong hinihintay nating bagong order this afternoon,” he said.
Interestingly, the work stoppage won’t last long, says Francia who added that such order would be lifted as soon as the investigation on the incident is completed.
One person died and four others were hurt after a steel bar from the ongoing project fell on six vehicles in Muntinlupa City. The accident occurred on East Service Road.
The incident pushed back the completion of the project to February 2021.
San Miguel Corp. president and chief operating officer Ramon Ang also issued a personal apology for the incident and promised to give assistance to the victims.
The extension project was initially scheduled to be completed by December this year, adding two northbound lanes and three southbound lanes.
It will have a direct connection to Skyway 1, 2, and 3, and allow motorists from the south to head to Ninoy Aquino International Airport, Makati, Manila, San Juan, Quezon City, and the North Luzon Expressway without having to pass by Alabang and EDSA.
