Kalibo gov't mulls legal action vs. traffic lights contractor

Sat, 05/21/2016 - 09:24 admin

BY BOY RYAN B. ZABAL

 

A Korean contractor might be facing legal cases for failure to complete the installation and construction of traffic lights in Kalibo, Aklan. 

Engr. Marlo Villanueva, municipal planning and development coordinator, said Headline Information and Electronics Trading Corporation has yet to complete the installation and construction of traffic lights this May and its beyond the deadline set by the local government of Kalibo. 

Last year, traffic lights were installed along the corner of Toting Reyes Street and Roxas Avenue Extension near Kalibo Public Market. Another traffic lights at the intersection of Desposorio Maagma Sr. Street-Osmena Avenue-Jaime Cardinal Avenue (formerly Quezon Avenue)-Toting Reyes Street or the Crossing Rotanda Sarok were also put up. 

These traffic lights are funded by the municipal government of Kalibo for P1.960-million to ease heavy traffic congestion in the busy areas. The contract includes the delivery of digital LED traffic light countdown timers, signal controllers, LED pedestrian lantern with push button actuator, traffic poles, wireless closed circuit TV surveillance network, wireless network radios, zoom/tilt dome camera, LED monitor and public address system speaker and amplifier. 

Last April 13, 2016, Villanueva issued a notice of slippage reminding Mr. Yoon Lee of the contract deadline overdue. He also demanded to the contractor to complete within 15 days the construction and installation of traffic lights or the municipal government of Kalibo will initiate legal action against Headline Information and Electronics Trading Corporation. 

The company has an office address at Unit 307 SRI Building, 2444 F. B,. Harrison Street in Pasay City with Mr. Byung Yoon Lee as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO). 

Villanueva said, "the project as of February  24, 2016 was almost 50.10% accomplished but as of this week the traffic lights supplier/contractor failed to complete their work including the testing and commissioning despite several reminders from our office." 

"Itong contractor may mga traffic lights projects din sa Pasay City kaso parang may management problem ang company nila. Nakiusap tayo kay Mr. Yoon Lee  na tapusin ang installation ngunit hanggang ngayon hindi pa rin operational ang traffic lights. Itong first week of May pa dapat tapos na," he added. 

Villanueva said, “given the situation, he recommended to Kalibo mayor William Lachica on May 18, 2016 the filing of cases against the contractor for failure to complete the project”. 

On the other hand. Aklan District Engineer Noel Fuentebella said they will also install traffic lights, which is funded by the Department of Public Works and Highways, along the intersection of Roxas Avenue and Mabini Street.