Several newly constructed irrigation canals in Cuyapo, Nueva Ecija are showing signs of damage that local farmers could not help but question the quality of the projects.
Farmers and officials from the National Irrigation Administration Upper Pampanga River Integrated Irrigation System (NIA UPRIIS) Division VI inspected several irrigation canal projects in Cuyapo, Nueva Ecija.
During the inspection, they discovered cracks and holes in the concrete linings, with some sections of the flooring already deteriorating.
Farmers earlier complained about the substandard construction of the projects, which were intended to provide free irrigation water.
Ronnie Garcia, one of the farmers, pointed out that the canal's slope was not built properly such that water flow has become uneven.
"Medyo pangit nga po itong pagkagawa ng slope nato. May mga butas-butas, medyo hindi diretso yung pagka-[gawa] ng pinaka-flooring," Garcia said.
As a result, farmers have had to use pumps or machinery to draw water from the canals.
PROJECT DETAILS
The projects in question include the construction of concrete linings for:
- Lateral T in Barangay Matindeg,
- Sub Lateral T-1 and T-2 in Barangay Cabileo; and,
- Sub Lateral T-3 in Barangay Bantug, Bulala, Curva, and Pugo
These canals, covering a total length of 2,570.43 meters, were built by MN Coloma Construction at a cost of P18.2 million.
Completed on June 10, 2022, the canals were designed to supply irrigation water to local farms.
However, within two years, the projects have been plagued with complaints about their quality.
RESPONSE
In response, the NIA UPRIIS has included the defective projects in their program for repair and budget allocation.
"Napakahalaga po ng canal na to, ito po yung libreng patubig irigasyon ng NIA, libreng patubig para sa mga magsasaka para madaluyan ang kanilang mga bukirin," Engr. Jose Ariel Domingo Sr., Division Manager of NIA UPRIIS Division VI, said.
"Nagsisilbi rin po ito na daluyan para hindi po mabaha [ditp], kasi po yung mga local flows po natin dinadala po sa canal," Domingo added.
The NIA UPRIIS has vowed to investigate the matter thoroughly to determine if there were anomalies during construction.
They will also investigate reports that some NIA UPRIIS employees may have been involved in subcontracting the projects.
If proven, these employees may be suspended or terminated, and the contractors responsible may be blacklisted from future NIA UPRIIS contracts.
"Pagmapapatunayan natin na kasama ang mga empleyado, siyempre may kaukulang aksyuon ang top management dyan... hindi tayo ang maghuhusga kundi ie-elevate yan sa top management," Engr. Gertrudes Viado, Department Manager of NIA UPRIIS, said.
RELIEF
Local farmers have expressed relief that the projects will be repaired.
NIA UPRIIS officials have urged farmers to report other complaints and assured that improper practices will not be tolerated.
Viado also encouraged immediate reporting of any defects, promising swift action.
"Yes mahigpit ako, kaya kung meron pa kayong nakikita ngayon [na problema] sabihin nyo lang sa akin, talagang on the spot aslisin natin," he said.
