Revilla seeks status report on P3.8-B flood control project

Sen. Ramon “Bong” Revilla is urging the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to submit a status report on the delayed P3.79-billion Caloocan-Malabon-Navotas-Valenzuela (Camanava) flood control project in the wake of reports that flooding occurred in Navotas recently.

The DPWH’s testing of its Bangkulasi pumping station caused a flash flood that submerged Phase 1, Kapitbahayan in Barangay North Bay Boulevard in two feet of water. The testing caught residents by surprise and local officials said they were not informed of the testing.

“There is no miscommunication here but a clear negligence and failure on the part of the DPWH in properly supervising and monitoring of the project. Concerned DPWH officials, particularly Camanava Flood Control Project director Carla Bartolo, were caught off guard because they did not anticipate that the testing operation would have a backward result,” said Revilla, chairman of the Senate committee on public works.

He noted that the project “is supposed to be completed in September or October this year, but in its testing stage, it looks like it will bring more floods in the area.” 

He said he will look into the status of the Camanava Flood Control Project in view of the report that the DPWH and the project contractor, Nishimatsu Construction Co. (NCC) of Japan, no longer update the city government of Navotas on the developments of the said flood control project.

Revilla recommended the termination of the contract between the DPWH and NCC. He added that the contractor should also be banned from participating in any project bidding due to the delayed completion of the flood control project.

He said that last June, the DPWH blamed the Manila Electric Co. (Meralco), the Maynilad Water Services Inc. and the Navotas government for delays in the completion of the flood control project.

The DPWH said Meralco and Maynilad failed to relocate their facilities, which impeded construction at the Longos Creek site and Northern Catmon area, while the Navotas government did not issue road closure permits to cover the Northbay Boulevard and Lapu-Lapu Avenue for digging to start there.

“Now, they (DPWH) have nothing to blame but themselves. If this kind of practice will continue, the already delayed project will most likely have another extended deadline of completion, “Revilla said.