Three concrete roads in the amount of P85 million have recently been completed in the remote areas of Negros Occidental’s Ilog town, the Department of Public Works and Highways in Western Visayas (DPWH-6) said in its report on Tuesday, May 9.

These include the P30-million 1.72-kilometer road in Barangay Pingot; the P20-million 1.28-kilometer road in Barangay Canlamay; and the P35-million 1.58-kilometer road in Barangay Dancalan.

In a statement, DPWH-6 regional director Nerie Bueno said the improved roads allow ease of travel and transport of agricultural products from the municipality’s far-flung areas.

“Farmers can transport their crops to the market at a lower hauling cost and less travel time, maintaining the freshness of the products, and making them earn more. Public services can also easily reach the people in the highlands, making government closer to them,” she added.

Negros Occidental Third District Engineer Rodney Gustilo said these concrete roads offer “smoother, continuous, cost-effective access to trucks loaded with sugarcane from plantation to milling stations” as well as provide comfortable and safer access to school for students living in these areas.

The road projects have provisions for solar LED lights, metal guard rails and other safety and warning devices to ensure the safety of motorists and people in the communities.

These also include the construction of lined canals and grouted riprap in specific locations that act as waterways to protect the roads from possible early dilapidation. (PNA)