San Miguel Corporation (SMC) today resumes construction of its two-month delayed Skyway Extension project after the government’s InterAgency Task Force on COVID-19 issued guidelines for workers.
SMC, through its San Miguel Infrastructure, is the concession holder of the Metro Manila Skyway.
Its contractor, EEI Corporation, returned to the job site today after the 60-day delay due to the community quarantine. The project was originally scheduled to be completed this December, 2020.
However, SMC admitted it is unable to set a new completion date yet, given that its contractor can only deploy a limited number of workers as part of the quarantine measures.
The Skyway Extension project is key to reducing traffic in southern Metro Manila, particularly the South Luzon Expressway (SLEX) and the Alabang area while allowing motorists from the south direct access to the elevated Skyway and beyond.
“We have been given the go-signal by government to resume work on the Skyway extension, and while we cannot yet go full blast, we will do whatever we can to deliver this project as close as we can to the original deadline,” pledged SMC president and COO Ramon S. Ang.
“We have to work smart, be efficient, and most of all, keep the workers safe,” he stressed.
For a one-month period, Skyway management will close about 700 meters of Lane 3 of the Skyway At-Grade section northbound from the old Alabang Entry Plaza.
This should enable workers to install scaffoldings to build the columns for Pier 34- 49.
Skyway assured that safety, sanitation and other health measures are already in place at the construction site, even prior to the resumption of construction.
Workers will follow the basic rules of social distancing and put on face masks and gloves.
There will also be adequate hand sanitation and disinfecting facilities including the availability of soap, water, and alcohol.
Workers will also be housed in on-site facilities provided by the company.
By Emmie V. Abadilla
