Zamboanga del Sur Mayor Calls for Flood Control Dike Investigation
In Zamboanga del Sur, local leaders are urging a thorough investigation into a flood control dike that failed to protect their community. Kumalarang Mayor Ruel Molina highlighted concerns over the substandard flood control dike constructed in Barangay Boyugan East. The project, costing P19.6 million, collapsed during a flash flood, raising alarms about its quality and safety.
Mayor Molina stressed the importance of probing this flood control dike, especially since the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) is already scrutinizing similar underperforming flood control projects elsewhere. Community members said the dike’s failure on May 17 led to severe flooding across five villages, affecting approximately 1,300 families forced to evacuate quickly.
Flood Control Dike Failure Endangers Lives and Wastes Funds
Local officials reported that the dike gave way easily to the rushing waters, exposing the poor construction quality. Mayor Molina lamented that the infrastructure not only wasted public funds but also put the lives of residents at risk. “This project was newly completed when the flood tested its strength,” he said, pointing out the substandard materials and workmanship.
Further concerns arose because the project was completed without proper coordination with the local government. This lack of consultation raised red flags that prompted Mayor Molina to report the issue to DPWH Region 9 authorities. Despite assurances of an investigation, DPWH-9 has yet to take concrete action, even months after the incident.
Contractors and Community Demand Transparency
According to the municipal engineer’s office, the Boyugan East flood control project was awarded to JZL Builders and Enterprises for P19,579,552.00 and was later subcontracted to SEVERS Construction. Local leaders emphasized the need for transparency and accountability in the handling of public infrastructure projects.
Mayor Molina expressed the community’s call for clear answers surrounding the project’s failure. “The people of Kumalarang deserve transparency and accountability,” he noted, urging DPWH officials to prioritize the investigation to prevent future disasters.
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