COA flags MMDA for P3-billion worth of delayed flood control projects

State auditors have flagged the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) for P3.164 billion worth of flood control and infrastructure projects that have been delayed or were incomplete by the end of 2020.

In a report, the Commission on Audit (COA) said MMDA flood control projects totaling P1.279 billion and infrastructure projects amounting to P1.885 billion were delayed or incomplete for various reasons.

Out of the 94 programmed flood control projects for 2020, 67 projects worth P835 million were incomplete due to delays in procurement activities and the pending release of Special Allotment Release Order from the Budget Department.

Another 41 flood control projects were not completed or implemented within the timeframe specified in contracts due to inadequate planning and lack of coordination with concerned authorities and communities.

COA also said the MMDA failed to meet its goal of completing all flood control projects prior to the onset of the rainy season, which normally starts in June, with only 26 projects worth P234 million completed by the third and fourth quarters of 2020.

“All of these hindered the MMDA in attaining its important objective to mitigate flooding in the Metropolis,” state auditors said.

COA said the MMDA agreed with its recommendation to expedite procurement activities to ensure the completion of flood control projects before the start of the rainy season.

Meanwhile, state auditors said 10 infrastructure projects worth P681 million were stalled due to delays in procurement activities and failure to follow timelines.

Nine other projects totaling P1.2 billion were not completed within the specified timeline due to inadequate planning, absence of coordination with concerned bodies, and unsatisfactory performance of the contractor.

The MMDA agreed with state auditors’ recommendation to comply with procurement timelines, address causes of delays, improve coordination with concerned authorities and communities, and closely monitor the status of projects.

COA also recommended that the MMDA demand and monitor the settlement of liabilities of Prime Gigabuild Construction Corporation, the contractor for a P57-million traffic signalization project that performed unsatisfactorily.

The MMDA said a demand letter had been sent to the president of the contractor, adding that its legal service will undertake legal remedies to collect and settle liabilities. —NB, GMA News