IN a bid to cut costs in the maintenance of Kennon Road, the Department of Public Works and Highways has bidded out a consulting contract of the road’s rehabilitation and maintenance to a private bidder.
Netherlands-based RebelGroup International BV has been awarded the consulting contract, according to Public Works and Highways Secretary Mark Villar.
“Marking the start of consulting services, DPWH conducted a virtual meeting on February 2, 2021 with the winning consulting firm RebelGroup International BV so we can discuss the pre-feasibility study and project structuring up to the tendering of Kennon Road Rehabilitation to private concessionaires,” Public Works and Highways Sec. Mark Villar said.
The road, which has frequently been the site of road damages and landslides, especially in inclement weather, has long been a cause for concern of the DPWH.
According to Villar, privatizing the efforts for the rehabilitation and maintenance of Kennon Road is a long-term solution that will prevent the further decline of the road, which has been subject to many road closures in the past.
“With the help of the private sector, we can expect a more reliable Kennon Road that is not only the fastest but also the safest route from Rosario, La Union to Baguio City, Benguet,” Villar said.
Under the privatization project, aside from rehabilitation and maintenance, a toll system is also expected to be implemented along the 33.7 kilometer Benguet Road, according to the Public – Private Partnership Center.
