The Cebu Provincial Government is set to file charges against the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Second District Engineering Office for violating a provincial ordinance which resulted to inconveniencing the public in the conduct of road-concreting works.
The public has been complaining about the agency’s long-delayed project completion, which involves lengthy road concreting that requires scraping of old cement and pouring in fresh layers.
However, DPWH’s delays in pouring in cement — including along an over-200-meter stretch — have caused tremendous traffic as these force the public to use alternately one lane for a two-way traffic, said Second District Board Member Doc Stanley Caminero.
“That’s a very vital stretch,” Gov. Gwen Garcia said during a meeting with DPWH Second District Engineer Chymbelin Ibal, referring to the national highway traversing Argao, Dalaguete, and Alcoy where the said concreting works are being done.
The meeting was also attended by DPWH 7 Bridges and Other Public Works Design Section Chief Engineer Emman Rey Quimson; as well as Provincial Board Members Red Duterte and Raymond Calderon.
The ordinance violated is Provincial Ordinance No. 2023-02, which requires national line agencies to coordinate with the Cebu LGUs, including the Capitol, before implementing any projects in Cebu.
This ensures a streamlined approach especially that LGUs may have invaluable inputs in how issues plaguing their jurisdictions may be solved, thereby allowing for a better solution to the issues and for government funds to be judiciously spent.
“This is not a joke. This ordinance is not a joke and the Provincial Board is not a joke,” Gov. Garcia said.
Gov. Garcia had previously warned DPWH not to proceed with cement concreting on roads that are still in good condition, explaining that minor or hairline cracks can be addressed with an asphalt overlay instead. She emphasized that this method is not only cost-effective but also prevents unnecessary delays and inconvenience to the public.
However, DPWH Second District Engineering Office continued with the projects even on roads that are deemed to be still in good condition, thereby causing disruptions for motorists and negatively impacting tourism activities in southern Cebu — not to mention the apparent wastage of limited government funds.
The Capitol’s legal office is now studying the matter to ensure that the said agency shall henceforth comply with local policies, acquire necessary permits, and prioritize public welfare in all infrastructure projects. | BJR