The contractor of the P173-million flood control project at Tipolo River in Mandaue City clarified that the structure is not a “ghost project,” as it was completed in June 2024.

Zlrej Construction sent GMA Regional TV Balitang Bisdak drone shots and photographs of the project, through Atty. Anton Santos, the company’s legal counsel.

Earlier, Barangay Tipolo officials said they do not have an idea as to which part of the Tipolo River the flood control project is located, citing that no one from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) 7 coordinated with them.

Along with engineers from Zlrej Construction, the news team traced the exact spot of the flood mitigation structure.  

According to a project engineer identified only as "Perez," the said structure is situated in two barangays.

The news team first checked Tipolo river on the Barangay Centro side. The project was started in June 2023 and finished by June 2024; followed by an inspection on the Barangay Guizo side.

From a bridge, the segment of the project measured 70.4 linear meters, while another side across the said segment measured 14.4 linear meters. Parapet walls serve as markers.

Based on the project information, it was started in May 2023.

According to Engr. Perez, the project completion was in June 2024.

However, Santos, the firm’s legal counsel, could not determine whether the project has undertaken proper coordination with the local government, especially in the barangay level.

Santos pointed out he is uncertain, as coordination is the responsibility of the DPWH, the implementing agency.

DPWH 7, for its part, will not issue a statement anymore on the anomalous flood control projects, per instruction from its Central Office.

In an interview with Guizo Barangay Chairman Jesus Neri Sr., he showed the news team where the project is located. The news team tried to seek confirmation as well from Centro Barangay Chairman Ignacio Cortes II on the presence of the said project in his area of responsibility, but he was reportedly out for an official meeting.

The P173-million flood control project has been listed in the sumbongsapangulo.ph website.