Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, July 7) — The lack of proper monitoring and supervision over 653 infrastructure projects by Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) offices in 2022 has resulted in various technical defects amounting to over ₱369 million, the Commission on Audit (COA) found.
“The foregoing technical defects and deficiencies may compromise the safety of the public, cause further destruction on the infrastructures and ultimately result in the wastage of government funds and resources if not immediately rectified,” the state auditors said in its latest report uploaded on July 6.
Among the defects cited by the COA include multiple cracks on concrete pavements, potholes, delamination of concrete surface, and school buildings with no electrical systems, among others.
State auditors said that one of the reasons for the recorded deficiencies was the use of inferior quality or substandard materials.
There were also instances where the actual accomplishment was less than the reported items for payments, COA added.
The state auditors directed the DPWH management to oblige concerned contractors to immediately repair the noted defects and deliver the required items of work.
“Otherwise, forfeit the performance securities of the defaulting contractors, and consider them for blacklisting,” state auditors said.
The DPWH was also reminded to conduct regular monitoring of the projects to ensure they are implemented in accordance with the approved contracts.
Delayed projects
Moreover, the COA found that several DPWH offices failed to efficiently implement over 2,000 locally funded projects worth more than ₱96 billion due to poor planning.
State auditors noted that agencies should always consider the timely completion of infrastructure projects to achieve intended benefits.
Out of all the locally funded projects inspected, records show 75% or 1,798 were not finished by the completion date specified in the contract, according to the COA.
There were 413 projects suspended, 90 projects terminated, and 94 projects that have yet to be started, it also said.
Among the reasons for the delays are unfavorable site conditions, road right-of-way acquisition issues, pending clearance from the environment department, and late release of funds, it added.
“Except for the COVID-19 pandemic and adverse weather conditions, the other identified causes of the delay in the implementation of infrastructure projects reflect the inadequacy of planning, supervision and monitoring of management relative to the project implementation,” the COA said.
The audit body said the DPWH should coordinate with other government agencies for a more effective planning process.
CNN Philippines reached out to the DPWH for comment on the findings of the auditors.
