Another Flyover Debacle

The Aganan Flyover project in Pavia, Iloilo, much like its nearby counterpart, the Ungka Flyover, again reminds us how flawed initial assessments and structural oversights can undermine public trust and disrupt essential infrastructure.

The current predicament, where the Department of Public Works and Highways-Western Visayas (DPWH-6) is resorting to jet grouting to stabilize the ground beneath the flyover, underscores the critical failures in the project’s early stages.

The core issue lies in the glaring discrepancies in soil testing data. The initial assessment by United Technology Consolidated Partnership (UTCP) suggested a pillar depth of only 24 meters, while a subsequent confirmatory test by DPWH-6 indicated a necessary depth of 54 meters to reach stable soil. This oversight led to compromised structural integrity, halting the project in December 2022 and necessitating costly repairs.

To restore public confidence, several measures must be taken:

• Transparency is paramount. DPWH-6 must maintain open communication with the public, providing regular updates on the progress of the repair works, challenges encountered, and revised timelines.
• Accountability is essential. Those responsible for the initial flawed assessments and designs must be held responsible for their errors.
• Quality assurance must be a priority. Implement stringent quality assurance measures and continuous monitoring throughout the repair process to ensure adherence to safety standards and design specifications.
• Community engagement is critical. Conducting public forums and meetings to address concerns, answer questions, and incorporate community feedback can foster a sense of involvement and confidence in the project.

The DPWH-6 has already commenced jet grouting, utilizing P133 million in unspent funds from the original contract.

The process, also used in the Ungka Flyover, involves injecting cement-like material under the structure’s foundations to stabilize the ground and prevent any movement. While the completion of the jet grouting is projected to take three months, the DPWH-6 is seeking an additional P275 million to complete the flyover.

However, delays are expected if the additional funding is not released promptly.

The Aganan Flyover’s troubles, stemming from compromised structural integrity and the need for interventions like jet grouting, symbolize a critical juncture for public confidence in infrastructure projects and government oversight.

The path forward requires more than just technical repairs; it demands a commitment to transparency, accountability, and proactive community engagement.

By openly addressing past missteps, ensuring rigorous quality control, and involving the community in the process, the DPWH-6 has an opportunity to restore faith in the Aganan Flyover project and set a new standard for infrastructure development in the region.

Successfully completing the Aganan Flyover will depend on securing the necessary funding, learning from past errors in soil testing and design, and adopting a collaborative approach that prioritizes public safety and long-term structural integrity.