BETTER driveways will welcome Thomasians next school year with the completion of the University’s road concreting project last May 15.
Fr. Roberto Pinto, O.P., director of the Facilities Management Office, said the project, which started last March 25, was part of the University’s preparations for the quadricentennial anniversary in 2011.
“I thought of the repair just last year when the office was asked to repair the road in front of the Engineering (building),” Pinto told the Varsitarian.
But it extended beyond Ruaño Drive because “the University roads are already dilapidated,” Pinto said.
Four driveways were cemented: Ruaño Drive; Tamayo Drive, where the UST gym is located; Gonzales Drive near the Botanical Garden; and Leon Ma. Guererro Drive leading to St. Martin de Porres Building.
Instead of asphalt, cement was used to pave the roads “since it is sturdier come rainy season,” Pinto said.
“This way, there is no need for road repairs every year,” he said.
The project, which went through a bidding process, cost the University around P15 million, cheaper than the initial estimate of “around P20 to P30 million,” Pinto said.
A bidding committee evaluated the prices bidders had offered based on design and dimensions provided by the Facilities Management Office. Contractors MCCI Corp. and Armcon won the bidding.
After the road repair, Pinto wants University buildings repainted next summer.
