By CESAR JOLITO III
A lawmaker from Negros Occidental has warned contractors that they risk being blacklisted if they fail to immediately repair defective flood control projects in the province’s 3rd District.
Negros Occidental 3rd District Representative Javier Miguel “Javi” Benitez issued the warning after inspecting flood mitigation structures in E.B. Magalona and the cities of Silay and Talisay, with officials from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) on Sunday, September 7.
Benitez flagged two damaged infrastructures — one along the Malogo River in E.B. Magalona and another along the Imbang River in Silay — while also recommending dredging works in the Minuluan River in Talisay.
“There’s a hollow portion and it needs to be repaired as soon as possible,” Benitez said.
“These repairs must be done at no cost to the government. If contractors refuse, they will not be allowed to participate in any biddings in the 3rd District under my watch,” he added.
In E.B. Magalona’s Barangay Pasil, Benitez inspected a damaged section of the P93.6-million Malogo River flood control project built in 2019 by Supreme ABF Construction Supply Co. Inc. and Silvergraces Construction.
About 20 meters of the structure are compromised, with eroded hollow slabs, and repairs are estimated to cost P300,000.
In Silay’s Barangay Hawaiian, cracks were also found in another flood mitigation project by Supreme ABF.
Benitez noted improper drainage and garbage dumping aggravated the problem.
Meanwhile, in Talisay’s Barangay Zone 14-B, the Minuluan River flood control project was found intact, but engineers recommended dredging downstream areas to prevent future flooding.
The congressman assured his constituents that there would be “no ghost projects” in his district.
“In the past nine years, about P5.3 billion worth of flood control projects have been implemented in the 3rd District, mostly in Silay City, and none of them were ghost projects,” Benitez said, adding that future efforts will prioritize flood-hit Talisay City.
Flood mitigation summit
Benitez announced he will convene a flood mitigation summit at a resort in Talisay City on September 14.
The meeting will gather local government representatives and experts, including Dr. Mahar Lagmay, head of Project NOAH (Nationwide Operational Assessment of Hazards).
“Flood control projects should be science-based and built in high-risk ‘red areas’ where they are really needed,” Benitez stressed.
He also urged residents to report problems in flood control projects for immediate action.
“We will also rely on our citizens, the constituents of the third district, to report. Let’s be vigilant and take a look within our own areas,” Benitez said.
“If there are issues and problems, let us work with the local government units to solve the problems with flood mitigation,” he added./CJ, WDJ