- ICI, DPWH inspect flood control and road safety structures in Davao City
INDEPENDENT Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) members and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) conducted a site inspection on major infrastructure projects in Davao City on Wednesday, Nov. 5, raising concerns over potential substandard materials and premature erosion.
The inspection team included ICI special adviser Gen. Rodolfo Azurin Jr. and DPWH Undersecretary Arthur Bisnar, notably joined by former ICI special adviser, Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong.
Flood control damage and erosion
After reviewing the ongoing rockfall netting project at Shrine Hills, the team proceeded to the Davao River Dike in Matina Gravahan at noon.
“We inspected the flood control here in the Gravahan area, and we observed that in less than two years, it has suffered immediate damage and erosion,” Azurin told reporters. “I think we have to review the contract so that we can determine what sanctions we can impose on the contractors, as well as those who were supposedly implementing the project.”
Azurin emphasized that while he could not definitively call the project “substandard,” the early damage suggests a need for deep scrutiny.
“It’s supposed to have a specific timeframe, at least maybe five years. Because of the damage, we will look at the cause of the damage—if it has something to do with the materials used, or if the cement mixture was incorrect. The DPWH will conduct a series of tests to determine the quality.”
Road safety and rockfall netting
The delegation also assessed the Construction of Road Slope Protection Structure and Improvement of Critical Intersections, which includes the installation of rockfall netting at Junction Shrine Hills along the Davao City Diversion Road (Project ID: 21LO-0142).
This inspection aimed to assess the quality of work designed to prevent rockfall incidents and ensure motorist safety, especially during heavy rains.
Nationwide audit, not political targeting
Addressing concerns regarding the focus on Davao City, Azurin clarified that the current inspections are part of a massive nationwide audit inherited by the ICI.
“The investigation we are conducting as of now concerns the 421 flood control projects that were turned over to us by the DPWH nationwide. We will inspect these projects so we can reach a conclusion and take appropriate action, aside from the filing of charges against the implementors, inspectors, and those who paid for these projects,” Azurin stated.
He specified that 51 of the 421 projects under investigation are located in the Davao Region, but denied any political targeting. “It just so happens that we were the team deployed here,” he concluded.
