- City Council invites DPWH XI officials to explain flyover project
By Nova Mae Francas
LAWMAKERS formally invited the Department of Public Works and Highways XI to send resource persons to provide context on the controversies surrounding the Ma-a Flyover Project delay.
During the regular session on Tuesday, Aug. 6, Councilor Jessica Bonguyan, committee chair on public works and highways, passed a resolution inviting the DPWH project contractors and other concerned agencies to attend the next scheduled regular session on Aug. 12.
In her privilege speech, the councilor requested the City Council to convene as a whole and “formally inquire” into the status of the project. She stressed the move is not to point fingers at anyone but to enhance inter-agency coordination.
“The people of Davao deserve clear roads and clear answers, and we must show them that their government is listening,” she added.
The formal motion sought to inquire into the status of the project, following a viral social media post alleging that the project was being deliberately delayed.
“While the truth of these claims is still in question, the sign itself is a clear reflection of the public’s growing fatigue and distrust. People are tired of the gridlock, tired of the silence, and tired of waiting for a project that seems to have no end in sight,” she said.
She added that the unfinished flyover led to heavy traffic and caused delays to commuters and motorists on their way to work and school.
“This project, which was meant to be a solution, has now become a source of daily stress and frustration for our community. The people’s frustration reached a boiling point this weekend,” Bonguyan said, referring to the sign at the construction site, blaming the delay on “the Marcos and Romualdez administration.”
The DPWH was quick to release a statement and clarified that the project is fully funded and is 82.5% complete. The agency also cited road right-of-way issues and the relocation of utility poles as the remaining issues.
Bonguyan acknowledged DPWH’s prompt denial of the allegations, but she emphasized that the issue goes beyond construction timelines, calling it a “public grievance” that demands transparency and accountability.
“We thank the DPWH for this clarification, as it highlights the critical need for clear communication on public projects. When information is scarce, misinformation and frustration are quick to fill the void,” Bonguyan said.
To note in 2024, the 20th city council also called out the DPWH for numerous delayed road repair projects, resulting in traffic congestion and heavy flooding during heavy rains.
