BUTUAN CITY – The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and its Surigao del Norte 2nd District Engineering Office are facing controversy over a flood control project along the Kinabutan River in Brgy. Washington, Surigao City. The project, which was reportedly completed on February 26, 2024, is now being questioned after a recent inspection revealed ongoing work despite earlier reports of its completion.
The flood control project, managed by Monolithic Construction and Concrete Products Inc., is part of the regular infrastructure initiatives funded by the General Appropriations Act (GAA) for 2024. However, upon inspecting the site, it was discovered that the structure lacked the necessary sheet piles, which are essential for structural support in excavation and earth retention projects. Instead, metal rods were found hastily driven into the ground, raising concerns about the integrity and safety of the work.
This issue comes amid a larger investigation into alleged corruption within the DPWH. The project has sparked debate, and Bombo Radyo Butuan has opened the floor for the concerned authorities to clarify the situation. DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon has already started inspecting similar projects as part of his efforts to address ongoing corruption issues within the agency, which reportedly involve contractors and lawmakers.
In a related development, the Philippine Anti-Corruption Czar (PACC) recently conducted an ocular inspection of another controversial flood control project in Surigao City. The project, located at Sitio Lamintao, Brgy. Rizal, had a budget of 96.5 million pesos and was meant to protect the area from floods. However, despite being declared completed in December 2021, the structure collapsed shortly after its supposed completion, specifically during Typhoon Odette, damaging 300 meters of the flood control structure. The collapse has put nearby communities at risk.
The project was implemented under Contract ID 21NG0044 and awarded to JMT Construction. DPWH Engr. Dhojie Morales, District Engineer for DPWH Surigao del Norte 2nd District Engineering Office, attributed the collapse to the riverbed erosion caused by Typhoon Odette. However, the collapse has raised further questions about the quality and safety of flood control projects in the region.
The PACC inspection was led by PACC Chairman Doc. Louie Ceniza, accompanied by National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Caraga Regional Director Atty. Sally Hans Barbaso. These ongoing investigations highlight the increasing scrutiny of DPWH’s handling of public infrastructure projects, with a focus on potential corruption and substandard work.
