DAVAO CITY (MindaNews / 11 June) — The city council here approved a resolution Tuesday, June 11, demanding the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and other concerned agencies to “fast-track and fix all pending infrastructure projects” in the locality.
The resolution seeks to reiterate the pronouncement of Davao City Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte, who called out the DPWH last May 31 for not repairing damaged roads despite appearing in various city council sessions to justify the delays.
“We will not tolerate this bad practice in the city as it does not promote the interest of the people of Davao. This only causes traffic congestion and compromises the safety of the public every day,” Duterte said in a statement then.
Councilor Edgar Ibuyan Jr., who authored the resolution, said road issues are still existing, which could pose danger to motorists and pedestrians alike when La Niña occurs, which is associated with above-normal rainfall conditions.
Last June 7, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) declared the end of El Niño, which is characterized by a dry spell with scorching temperature.
Ibuyan listed the ongoing road constructions in Guadalupe Village, Matina Pangi, Mamay Road, and Cabantian-Indangan Road, among others, to have caused “suffering… especially during heavy rains.”
“The problem persists, and DPWH keeps giving us the same excuse – road right-of-way and budget issues, among others. These problems could’ve been mitigated if these projects were planned properly,” he said.
“I’ve had enough. We reiterate that they should fix and restore in better condition all roads they have already damaged before trying to destroy new roads within Davao City,” he added.
Ibuyan, who is also the chairperson of the Committee on Public Works and Highways, stressed that DPWH “continues to overpromise but underdeliver.”
The city councilor said the government agency has “multiple opportunities to do their jobs properly, but because of their incompetence, [Dabawenyos] are suffering from the consequences.”
Last March 6, Mayor Duterte also posted a statement on his Facebook page, calling the attention of DPWH-Davao and all other entities and contractors to immediately comply and coordinate with the City Transport and Traffic Management Board (CTTMB) and to secure necessary permits before conducting any road activity “that will impair road conditions in the city.”
“We have noticed passable roads that are in good condition, which you already started to break and excavate while there are still a lot of road projects that are left unfinished. These are all causing inconvenience and pose risk to the safety of the public,” Duterte said then.
Since then, there have been four city council sessions (April 2, April 23 , April 30 and May 7) which invited guests from the DPWH, power and water utilities, and other stakeholders to explain the road project delays in the city. (Ian Carl Espinosa / MindaNews)
