• CHERYL G. CRUZ
Negros Occidental 3rd District Rep. Javier Miguel Benitez inspected flood control projects in E.B. Magalona, Silay, and Talisay yesterday afternoon, Sept. 7, and found portions with minor damage that, he stressed, must be immediately repaired by concerned contractors at no cost to the government.
Benitez said contractors who failed to do so will not be included in future project biddings.
His first stop at the 900-meter flood mitigation structure along Malogo River in Barangay Pasil, E.B. Magalona, showed minor damage at intermittent portions, with total length of 20 meters, and an estimated cost of P300,000.
The contractors, Supreme ABF Construction/Silvergraces Construction, started the project, worth P93.6 million on June 27, 2019 and completed it on July 28, 2020.
There was also minor damage at the flood control structure, also with Supreme ABF as contractor, along Imbang River in Silay City, worth P96.4 million, that was completed in Dec. 2020.
Benitez found the culvert pipe clogged with garbage, as well as erosion in the area.
He also pushed for the immediate dredging of a portion of Minuluan River in Zone 14-B, Talisay City, which is a flood-prone area. Some residents said they had experienced chest to neck-level water during the worst flooding in the area.
The neophyte congressman, who was joined by District Engineer Dene Baldonado Jr., of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) NegOcc 1st District Engineering Office during the inspections, said these assessments aim to ensure that all flood control projects in the 3rd District are cleared of any irregularity.
He assured that “there will never be a ghost project under his watch.”
“Ang ginhambal ko sa DPWH, let’s take a look from 2016 to 2025. (So far), for projects from 2022 to 2025, wala problema, but we will continue to assess,” Benitez said as he called on Metro 3rd residents and the public to be vigilant and report on projects with problems. “Take a look in your own areas. Let us work with local government units para ma solve ang flood (and other issues).”
The solon will also initiate a one-week flood mitigation summit, starting on Sept. 14, at Nature’s Village Resort in Talisay, with Dr. Mahar Lagmay of Project NOAH (Nationwide Operational Assessment of Hazards), LGU leaders, and other stakeholders in attendance. | CGC
