The Provincial Government of Davao del Norte is set to investigate the unfinished P400 million bridge in Barangay Tuganay, Carmen town.

Governor Edwin Jubahib called for a probe to determine the status of the project and ensure that public funds are being used properly.

“Ipagpatuloy natin ang imbestigasyon para masiguro natin na ang pera ng bansa ay nagagamit ng tama isama natin sa ito sa (ipapaabot sa) blue ribbon (committee) at ombudsman,” Jubahib said.

The governor said motorists have long suffered from the delayed project.

He added that he had already raised this concern with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), but the bridge remains unfinished.

The bridge, which started in 2021, measures only about 100 meters. Work was suspended in 2022 and resumed in 2023.

DPWH has yet to respond, but its spokesperson said in March 2025 that the project is expected to be completed in 2026.

DPWH explained that funding issues caused the setbacks.

Of the P400 million budget for the project, P71 million was allocated for the first phase, P211 million for the second phase, and P120 million for the third phase.

While the southbound lane has already been completed, the northbound lane remains under construction.

Jubahib also raised concerns over the quality of the finished section, citing visible cracks and scalping along the roadway, which he said could indicate substandard construction methods.

“Yung natapos na, dinadaanan ngayon, nag scalping na naman at marami ng crack na makikita natin, masasabi talaga natin na may problema sa implementasyon bakit ganyan ang nangyayari. Kung may scalping at cracks masasabi natin na substandard ang construction method,” Jubahib added.

Apart from the Tuganay Bridge, the governor also ordered an investigation into the concreting of the Tagum City-Panabo Circumferential Road.

“Yung concreting roads ganito na ang situation bumalik sa pagka-sand and gravel ang tawag nito scalping, ito kalbo nato wala ng semento,” Jubahib said.

Jubahib said all documents related to the projects are ready for the investigation.