By Nazario Rodriguez Jr.
Horizon news staff

Daewoo and the US Army Corps of Engineers (ACOE) yesterday have similarly assured that the Compact Road would be completed by the end of March but depending on the weather considition.
Project Manager M.S. Kim of Daewoo and Resident Engineer of ACOE said that the turnover over ceremonies would definitely be done in just over two months.
Both have denied rumors that the closure of a big portion from the eastside of the 53-mile road has to do with a design error of a bridge.
Kim identified that as Bridge No. 2 near Ngchesar junction.
That bridge, he said, has no problem at all adding that the foundation was firmly constructed.
On Wednesday, Minister of Resources and Development Fritz Koshiba has said that the C-oad’s completion might be delayed because the bridge needed full reconstruction.
However, Kim explained that the closure of the portion from the start of the C-Road at Ngerikiil Bridge to the junction in Ngchesar going to Ngatpang has something to do with soft soil that they have discovered in three different spots.
These soft soils, he said would cause delays but are now being repaired.
Kim said that there are actually some 150 soft soil spots along the road and the three spots that are being repaired are Nos. 18, 19 and 22.
Kim said that Daewoo made sure that they have followed all the designs and specifications and the damage as a result of the soft soil.
Kim said that in engineering term, they called this as long term secondary settlement, which is beyond their control.
"We followed the design according to the specifications. These problems occur because of the nature of the soft soil," he said.
With regards to the cost of the repair works, Kim said it was his decision that Daewoo would do the repairs first from its own funds and talk about who would shoulder the burden later.
In separate interviews, Morrison asked the public for their patience while Kim said they are trying to do their best way to finish it by March as had been planned during a meeting with Minister Koshiba on Jan 11.
On that meeting, Kim said they have explained what really is the problem on the soft soil and have assured him of the good condition of the bridge.
Daewoo said the road is already 98 percent complete but Morrison said it is between 95 and 97 percent.