This stemmed from the motion raised by Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival during the 3rd quarter full council meeting of the RDC-Central Visayas on Monday, Sept. 29, seeking a comprehensive inventory of projects implemented by DPWH-7 in partnership with local governments.
Who built what?
The report would include the following details: project name and description, contractor’s name, approved contract cost, and the current status or progress of each project.
“This will allow the RDC members to monitor, evaluate, and ensure transparency and accountability in the implementation of infrastructure projects within the region,” Archival told RDC-7 members.
He explained that the list should start from 2018 because there were projects done in Cebu City that were not implemented well.
“We would like to know who the contractors are,” he added.
Council sets reporting cutoff
Isidro Encarnacion, DPWH-7 assistant regional director, told the council that district engineering offices would be instructed to submit the necessary data.
The agency was tasked to submit its report before Oct. 21, ahead of RDC-7’s investment programming workshop. During the workshop, regional line agencies will present a prioritized list of proposed programs, activities, and projects for 2027 based on the approved 2023–2028 Regional Development Plan.
The agency was tasked to submit their report before Oct. 21, in time for RDC-7’s investment programing workshop. During the workshop, regional line agencies will present a prioritized list of proposed programs, activities, and projects for 2027 based on the approved Regional Development Plan for 2023 to 2028.
In an interview, Archival cited riprap structures near Cebu City’s riverbanks that had cracks or were already damaged. Since he did not receive a list of DPWH projects when he assumed office on July 1, he said he could not determine whether these were built by the national agency or by the city’s Department of Engineering and Public Works.
From cracks to ‘ghost works’
“One purpose is to check the status of the project. Second, if it is already completed, is it still okay? Because if not, then we can ask them (the contractor) to rectify it. At the moment, we don’t know who should be responsible,” Archival said.
Aside from damaged works, the mayor also pointed to projects from 2019 that appeared to exist only on paper, as he could not locate them.
Archival also cited a road project in Barangay Banilad, Cebu City that lacked a drainage component. To install one, he said, the newly built road would have to be torn up.
“It is never ending,” he added.
Contributor
