ICI cites poor planning, substandard work on Cebu flood projects

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

ICI Special Adviser and Investigator Rodolfo Azurin raised serious concerns regarding the projects. He revealed that the failures may be rooted on poor planning, deviation from the master plan and possible substandard implementation.

He cited the ₱149-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.

Azurin questioned whether the damages caused by natural disasters were covered with insurance.

"If acts of God are not included in their insurance, the contractor will definitely have to shoulder the repair," he added.

The ICI first inspected the damage in Butuanon River in Barangay Tabok, Mandaue City, then proceeded to Mananga River in Talisay City, and lastly to Cotcot River in Liloan and Compostela, Cebu City.