MANILA, Philippines – Public Works Secretary Rogelio Singson apologized yesterday to Mandaluyong City Mayor Benjamin Abalos Jr. for the delays in the P609-million drainage project in the city.
Singson assured Abalos that he would order the contractor, L. R. Tigue Builders, to work on the project even at night and install eight pumps instead of just two to prevent flooding, Abalos said.
Singson said the contractor claimed it stopped working on the project, located near the city hall, at night after residents complained.
Abalos said he called for a meeting next week between the residents and the contractor to resolve the issues that caused delays in the project, scheduled to be completed in May.
Singson’s apology came after Abalos sought the blacklisting of L.R. Tigue Builders because the delayed project caused traffic gridlocks and businesses in the area to shut down.
Since the contractor installed only two pumps, the stagnant water provided a breeding ground for dengue-carrying mosquitos and caused a corresponding rise in dengue cases in the city, Abalos said.