DPWH blames MMDA for unfinished roadworks

A Department of Public Works and Highways official has disputed Metropolitan Manila Development Authority chairman Francis Tolentino's claim that several unfinished road works and drainage projects contributed to recent flooding of several streets in Metro Manila.

 

In a phone interview with GMA News Online Tuesday, DPWH National Capital Region Director Reynaldo Tagudando said the unfinished roadworks are due to MMDA's late issuance of construction permits.

 

"Actually, noong summer pa namin gusto magtrabaho pero nagkaroon ng delay sa issuance ng permit," he said.

 

Tagudando admitted that the drainage system may have not functioned properly "dahil hindi pa ito kumpleto."

 

"Ang mga road projects, hindi matrabaho agad dahil tuwing weekend lang kami pwedeng magtrabaho," he added.

 

Last Sunday, Tolentino said the unfinished drainage and road work projects may have contributed to the recent flooding in Metro Manila.

 

"The DPWH has so many unfinished projects that should be rushed especially this rainy season," Tolentino said on radio dzBB Sunday.

 

Since last week, parts of Metro Manila had been flooded due to heavy rain, stranding motorists and commuters for hours. The maps below show MMDA's list of ongoing DPWH projects. Click on a shaded road to view the locations of the projects.  

 

As Tropical Cyclone Emong (international codename Leepi) intensified into a tropical storm before noon Tuesday, President Benigno Aquino III met with Cabinet officials to tackle the status of flood control projects in the country's capital region.

 

Deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said Aquino called for the meeting last week so he will "be apprised of all the flood control projects that is going on" in Metro Manila. 

 

Valte said among those present in the meeting with the President were Public Works and Highways Secretary Rogelio Singson, MMDA chairman Francis Tolentino, Interior and Local Government Secretary Manuel Roxas II and Undersecretary Eduardo del Rosario of the National Disaster and Risk Reduction Management Council.

 

In September last year, the government allocated P5 billion to "high priority" flood control projects in Metro Manila and nearby provinces. This was part of the Aquino administration's P351-billion long-term flood management master plan, which was also approved last year.  — with Rose-An Jessica Dioquino/ELR/CM, GMA News