DPWH to investigate unfinished Camanava flood control project

MANILA, Philippines – The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) will conduct an investigation into the P3.4-billion Camanava flood control project, which was supposed to be completed in June 2007 but remains unfinished until now.

DPWH Secretary Rogelio Singson, in an interview with GMA-7, said he wants to find out whether the delay is deliberate or not. “I hope it’s not deliberate” he said.

Singson said the project was supposed to be turned over to the Metro Manila Development Authority once completed. The MMDA’s job is to implement flood control measures in the metropolis.

Malabon Mayor Canuto Oreta said the project delays have worsened the flooding problem in the city.

Earlier, engineer Ed Torres, who heads the Malabon flood control advisory council’s technical group, called on the government to have the Truth Commission investigate why the project is still not complete.

The project, funded by a loan of more than P5 billion from the Japan International Cooperation Agency, has been touted as the final solution to the frequent flooding in the Caloocan, Malabon, Navotas and Valenzuela area.

Started in June 2003, it was supposed to be fully operational in June 2007, but the DPWH moved its completion date to September 2008, then to December 2009. The project remains unfinished.

“With the rainy season we again expect massive flooding in the city,” Torres said.

He alleged that the national government allocated P3.5 billion for the project but the DPWH is asking for another P500 million to complete it. “So what happened to the original funding of the project?” Torres asked.