P557.8 million Cebu infra projects delayed — COA

MANILA, Philippines — The Commission on Audit (COA) has questioned the city government’s non-implementation of at least 25 infrastructure projects amounting to P557.8 million.

Among these projects are phase 2 of the Cebu City Medical Center (CCMC) worth P300 million; Inayawan landfill rehabilitation, P72 million; renovation of the city condominium, P26.8 million; road concreting, P14 million; renovation of Operation Second Chance rehabilitation facility, P5 million, and concrete fencing of South Road properties among other road projects, P12 million.

Only one project with a funding of P1.8 million was implemented last year, the COA said.

In a memorandum dated Feb. 23, COA auditors Cymbeline Uy and Maria Daisy Bercede said the failure of the city government to implement the projects ”deprived the intended beneficiaries of timely and maximum use...and hindered the uplifting of the economic and social condition of its constituents.”

“We recommend... full implementation of the projects... so that the desired services and benefits can be delivered to its beneficiaries,” the COA memorandum read.

The COA said the city government should also monitor and assess the progress of the implementation of the projects to ensure the desired level of efficiency.

In a document obtained by The Freeman, Cebu City engineer Kenneth Enriquez said among the reasons for the delay in the implementation of the projects are the processing of clearance and building permits, small budget allocation, non-submission of deed of donation by concerned barangays and program and cost estimates awaiting the mayor’s signature. – Jean Marvette Demecillo/The Freeman