Dad hits unfinished flood control project

CEBU, Philippines —  A Cebu City councilor has appealed to the Department of Public Works and Highways and its contractor to finish the flood control project in their area in barangays Tinago and Tejero as it has done more harm than good to them.

Councilor Joel Garganera noted that based on their program of work, the DPWH project with CT Leoncio Construction and Trading started on October 20, 2021, with 243 days for its completion.

However, it has been almost 400 days already or 140 more days since its supposed completion, and the said project remains unfinished.

“We would like to bring up the concern, dili lang akoy concerning ani but Barangay Tinago and stretch diha M.J.Cuenco,” said Garganera.

Garganera noted that the project’s embankment had not been cleared.

“Makita nimo diha tupad sa Tejero Elementary School, nga embankment, nagpundo na silag yuta diha sila labay labay sa ilang ekipo, its been there for the longest time na,” added Garganera.

More to it, the said embankment occupies one-third of the entire stretch of the river.

“So inig uwan, dugay kaayo mohubas unya dali ra kaayo moaawas ang sapa namo..Kalooy tawon dihang dapita sa Lopez Jaena ug sa Bonifacio apil na ning amoa, pirme ming naghilam-os aning baha, pirme ming panghinlo..dugay na kaayo,” lamented Garganera.

Garganera said, he already talked with DPWH’s District Engineering Office, but no actions have been taken still.

“Untouchable man seguro ning kompanyaha kay wa man silay mahimo,” said Garganera.

Garganera said this time he hopes DPWH’s regional office will look into this matter.

“Calling out the RD and district engineer please look into this..sobra na sila sa ilang adlaw diin sila na makompleto ilang proyeto...wa gihapon nila kuhaa pa..ting-uwan karon dali ra kaayo moawas kining sapa wa naman ma maximize nato ang capacity…and width and ang depth,” Garganera said.

Garganera said, what makes it even harder for them as the contractor which was allegedly been involved in some controversy in the past is not from Cebu, thus, they could not show any concern for the Cebuanos’ plight in the area.

“I understand they have also been involved in controversy in the past..taga Bulacan man ni sila…I guess mao ning they are not sensitive of the situation that they’ve caused kay di man ni sila taga diri…walay malasakit,” Garganera added.

Meanwhile, Councilor Jerry Guardo said Garganera also told him about it already and connected him with DPWH’s point person of the said project for clarification on the matter.

Based on DPWH’s explanation earlier to Guardo, a portion of the funds for the flood control project were “realigned to prioritized repair of the perimeter fence of Tejero Elementary School upon the request of the principal to prioritize restoration of the perimeter fence for the safety and security of its students”.

Aside from that, there are also two structures under titled properties but within the three-meter easement on Tinago’s side that DPWH is still trying to settle with the property owner.

This accordingly, has also contributed to the delay of the construction of the project. — GMR (FREEMAN)