LAMITAN CITY, Basilan — The Ministry of Public Works (MPW) in Basilan has expressed frustration over the long delays in the delivery of pre-fabricated materials meant for the construction of 1,000 Kapyanan core shelter housing units in the province.

Basilan District Engineer Kasim Hasanin said the suppliers, particularly the winning bidder from Central Mindanao, have repeatedly failed to deliver the necessary materials on time — holding up the project’s completion.

“The last shipment arrived back in February. Since then, there have been no new deliveries,” Hasanin lamented. “How can the contractor build the houses if there are no materials being shipped?”

He noted that while 300 units have been partially built, they still lack windows and door jambs. The remaining 700 units haven’t even broken ground due to the absence of steel frames, cement, and other critical components.

So far, only roofing materials have arrived, and that was five months ago.

Hasanin added that similar delays are also affecting MPW district offices in Sulu, Lanao, and Cotabato — all of which are implementing housing programs under the Bangsamoro government’s Kapyanan program.

“These houses are meant to provide dignified shelter for our Mujahideen and their families. The delays are not just frustrating — they’re unacceptable,” Hasanin said.