Team DailyPedia
MANILA, Philippines. Several signs criticizing the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) for a slow-paced flood control project have emerged in several areas in Mandaluyong City.
Apparently, the city government posted the signs after netizen Kathleen Tracy Chua aired a complaint concerning the stagnant water flooding some areas in Mandaluyong on the Facebook page of Top Gear Philippines on January 25. Her post has gone viral getting over 7,000 shares on Facebook.
However, some netizens pointed out that it was not the first time for Mandaluyong residents to see such signs.
Netizen Clark Eligue commented, “30+ year Mandaluyong resident here. Yes the project has dragged on for over 2 years and has caused utter discomfort for all. But that sign is not new to us, as long as I can remember the city government has already posted such signs from the start of the project. The blasted flood control project has taken that long that the old signs are no longer there and Mandaluyong may have seen the need to post the signs once more. And perhaps, after the complaint posted here. Again, this notice has been posted before and its not the first time.”
According to Mandaluyong City Mayor Benhur Abalos, the flooding in the areas particularly in Maysilo Circle, Boni Avenue, and adjacent streets has caused the roads to become “useless and impassable.” This prompted Abalos to write a letter to the DPWH to express his dismay over the consequences of the slow-paced DPWH project which started as early as January 2013.
In a letter addressed to DPWH Secretary Rogelio Singson, Abalos wrote, “While the project is owned and operated by your department, [the] city government continues to be blamed and criticized for [it].”
Singson immediately extended his apology over the phone on the same day he received the letter, promising to study the issue and guarantee that the contractor, L.R. Tiqui Builders Inc., would do its best to complete the project as soon as possible.
Based on its website, the DPWH is expected to complete the project by May 30, 2016. About 54% of the project has been completed as of December 31, 2015.
