‘Deficiencies’ found in city projects

CEBU, Philippines- The Commission on Audit has pointed out certain “deficiencies” in the implementation of infrastructure projects worth P629.5 million in Cebu City last year.

In an Audit Observation Memorandum dated January 7, COA also noted unimplemented, terminated and ongoing projects worth over P400 million.

Of the 93 infrastructure projects last year, 16 of which worth P64.62 million were suspended and another project worth P3.52 million was terminated.

However, of the 93 projects identified in Cebu City, only 48 projects worth P228.66 million were implemented while 28 others worth P332.65 million are still underway.

Of the 28 projects that are underway, 17 are allegedly beyond their targeted  completion  date  while  two  others – road concreting with side ditch and cross drainage with stone masonry worth P9.94 million and construction of Portland cement concrete pavement with drainage worth P3.2 million – were granted extensions, 150 and 45 times, respectively.

Each corresponding approved work suspensions and resumptions allegedly were not provided to COA for review and validation.

“Review of documents did not show any evidence supporting the agency’s Consolidated Quarterly Reports on Government Projects/Programs/Activity undertaken for 2014 that the Local Development Council of LGU, Cebu City coordinated, mo-nitored and evaluated the implementation of these projects with the Office of the Department of Engineering and Public Works,” the report reads.

The projects were sourced from various appropriations, such as the 2009 Supplemental Budget (SB)-8, 2010 SB-5, 2011 and 2012 approved budgets, 2011and 2012 Annual Investment Plan, and Trust Fund-Proper.

The delay in the implementation, COA state auditor Ma. Daisy Bercede said, has deprived the beneficiaries of the projects, “thereby, defeating the purpose for which they are programmed and appropriated and depriving the intended beneficiaries of its benefits.”

COA cited Section 2 of Presidential Decree 1445, which states, “it is the declared policy of the State that all resources of the government shall be managed, expended or utilized in accordance with the law and regulations, and safeguarded against loss or wastage through illegal or improper disposition, with a view ensuring efficiency, economy and effectiveness in the operations of government.”

In line with this, COA advised Cebu City to fast track the implementation of the projects that were suspended and ongoing to “attain its desired purpose.”

To oversee the implementation process, the Local Development Council has been directed to “faithfully monitor and evaluate” the implementation to avoid delays and backlogs.

“So that any cause of suspension and/or problems in the course of the implementation can be immediately addressed to,” COA added, recommending the city to direct the person responsible to shed light on the cause of delay.  (FREEMAN)