It was on August 16, 2019 when a slope protection project at Tigum River in Santa Barbara, Iloilo was started.

The 379 lineal meters project was worth nearly P49 million.

On July 27, 2020, or during the pandemic, the project was completed. But after over three months, nearly 20 percent of 76 meters of the project collapsed.

After over five years, the part that collapsed is not yet repaired.

According to Barangay Agutayan Chairwoman Fe Sumalde, if the dike will not be repaired,  soil erosion at the riverbank is expected to worsen.

“Perwisyo sa mga nakatira sa bahaging 'yan dahil unti-unting gumuguho ang part na 'yan at delikado sa mga residenteng malapit sa ilog,” Sumalde said.

The previous barangay chairman, she said, already reported the situation to the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), but no action has been taken.

According to Barangay Lupa Chairwoman Gina Subong, where the project stretches, despite the protection that the structure has provided to residents in her barangay, it makes a difference if the collapsed portion would be repaired.

“Kasi hindi nila siguro nilagyan ng filling sa likuran, so nang bumaha, ang tubig dumaan sa likuran. Nakita ko sa taas na may tatlong layers, hindi rin naman gumuho,” Subong said.

The town mayor has described the project as a waste of public funds.

Santa Barbara Mayor Dennis Superficial said certain individuals should be held accountable for the alleged substandard project, and for the lack of coordination with the Local Government Unit (LGU).

.“Nakakalungkot kasi kawawa ang mga tawo. Ang laki-laki ng budget, wala pang isang taon, sira na. Nakikita ko na walang coordination 'yan sa LGU. Hindi natin alam kung saan galing ‘yan,” Superficial said.

According to an official of the DPWH 4th Iloilo District Engineering Office, the project was destroyed by a flashflood brought about by Typhoon Quinta.

The official, who requested anonymity, said that the contractor has already been instructed to address the concern, but refused allegedly.

The contractor reportedly reasoned out that it has delivered the project according to the plan and specifications of the project, and that affirmation was done by the agency in an inspection.

In July 2025, before the project's 5-year warranty expired, the contractor agreed reportedly to carry out repairworks.

However, the contractor raised a concern on access road for the heavy equipment.

The news team has tried to get the side of the project contractor to the issue.