Quezon City begins inspection of DPWH projects

MANILA, Philippines — Following reports of lack of coordination with the Quezon City government, local officials have started inspecting flood control projects implemented by the Department of Public Works and Highways.

At least 30 DPWH projects have so far been inspected by the city’s engineering department.

Among those inspected were two pumping stations in District 1, as well as flood control and mitigation structures across the city.

“The local government is ensuring that flood control projects in Quezon City are properly implemented in accordance with the city’s drainage master plan,” city hall said.

“The inspection also aims to verify whether these projects have the required certificates of coordination. National government agencies such as the DPWH are required to coordinate their projects to ensure alignment with the city’s infrastructure programs,” it added.

Over the weekend, Mayor Joy Belmonte confirmed that several flood control projects have been implemented in the city without proper coordination as mandated in a 2020 ordinance.

These include the construction of another pumping station on top of Matalahib Creek in Barangay Talayan, also in District 1.

Last Friday, Belmonte met with officials of the DPWH- National Capital Region to discuss the project.

City engineers found that the project was built in a “non-building area,” which is in violation of the Water Code and Civil Code.

Belmonte said the pumping station, costing P95.99 million, needs another P250 million to be operational.

She recommended scrapping the project after several studies showed that the pumping station worsened flooding in the city.

Instead, Belmonte said the P250-million funding should be used for projects aligned with the city’s drainage master plan.