Cebu flood control projects ‘poorly planned,’ says ICI

Major lapses were evident in flood control projects across Metro Cebu, according to a physical investigation conducted Sunday by the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI).

ICI special adviser and investigator Rodolfo Azurin raised serious concerns over the projects, revealing that failures may be rooted in poor planning, deviation from the master plan and possible substandard implementation.

Azurin cited the P149-million project in the Liloan-Compostela area, which was awarded to a joint venture involving Alpha & Omega General Contractor & Development Corporation, owned by the controversial Discaya couple.

The investigator questioned whether the damages caused by natural disasters were covered by insurance.

“If acts of God are not included in their insurance, the contractor will definitely have to shoulder the repair,” Azurin said.

The ICI’s inspection started at the damaged portions of the Butuanon River in Barangay Tabok, Mandaue City, and proceeded to the Mananga River in Talisay City. The team then inspected sites in Cebu City and concluded its tour at the Cotcot River in Liloan and Compostela.