Iloilo City Demands Review of Flood Control Projects
Iloilo City Mayor Raisa Treñas has urgently called for a halt and thorough review of flood control projects in the city after uncovering irregularities in design and implementation. These projects, managed by firms linked to contractor Sarah Discaya, have raised serious questions among local officials and residents.
During a recent inspection in Mohon, Arevalo, alongside Oton Mayor Sofronio Fusin Jr., Mayor Treñas expressed her deep dissatisfaction with the flood mitigation efforts. She highlighted that “a huge portion of the river was taken up for a bike lane supposedly meant for ambulances, yet it is not even passable at the center because of many obstructions.” This discovery has sparked calls for immediate action regarding the ongoing flood control projects.
Flood Control Projects Under Scrutiny
Before these projects were implemented, flooding in affected barangays was minimal. However, intense rains in July caused severe flooding, prompting officials to question the effectiveness of the flood control measures. Treñas noted, “Some of the projects are the main reasons kung bakit nagko-cause din ng baha dito. Kasi dati noong wala ang mga projects na iyon. Gumawa sila ng project na waterways tapos nilalagay nila flood protection pero bike lane din or access road.”
The mayor’s statement underscores the mismatch between the projects’ intended purposes and their actual outcomes. Officials pointed out that what were supposed to be flood protection waterways have been converted into bike lanes or access roads, which may be exacerbating flood risks instead of mitigating them.
Contractor Firms Face License Revocation
Mayor Treñas revealed that five flood control projects are currently underway, managed by three of nine firms owned by Sarah Discaya. These include St. Timothy Construction Corporation, Alpha and Omega General Contractor and Development Corporation, and YPR General Contractor and Construction Supply, Inc.
Authorities have recently revoked the licenses of nine companies controlled by Discaya, including the firms involved in Iloilo’s flood projects. This action raises further concerns about the legitimacy and quality of the flood control initiatives in the city.
Broader Investigation Into Flood Projects
In addition to Iloilo’s local government scrutiny, the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee, led by Chairperson Rodante Marcoleta, has identified a total of 60 flood control projects nationwide under investigation. These projects are suspected to be ghost projects, possibly involving irregularities or fraud.
With these developments, local leaders and community members are calling for increased transparency and accountability in flood control efforts to protect residents and ensure effective infrastructure.
For more news and updates on flood control projects, visit Filipinokami.com.
