City Hall flags ICDEO road project over ‘safety violations’

By Rjay Zuriaga Castor

The city government of Iloilo has flagged another ongoing road project by the Iloilo City District Engineering Office (ICDEO) along JM Basa Street in the City Proper for allegedly lacking proper early warning signs and safety protocols.

A concerned citizen recently raised the issue on social media, pointing out the absence of warning signs at the road improvement and drainage project, which involves excavation work.

“Safety should never be compromised, especially during nighttime road works,” Mayor Raisa Treñas said on Tuesday, July 29.

Treñas reminded the ICDEO and the City Engineer’s Office (CEO) to strictly enforce safety protocols and ensure that all roadwork zones are equipped with visible warning devices, barricades, and proper signage, regardless of the time of day.

She also directed the CEO to inspect all ongoing road projects during nighttime and check for safety compliance.

“Let this serve as a strong reminder that every construction activity, big or small, must uphold public safety at all times,” she added.

Following Treñas’ directive, the CEO reported that the ICDEO failed to properly coordinate the project’s implementation with the city government.

During an on-site inspection, the contractor was reportedly unable to present key documents, including a valid mayor’s permit.

Inspectors also found inadequate barriers and noted that the project’s temporary road closure permit expired on July 28, 2025.

Despite these lapses, the project continued without official traffic advisories or re-routing plans.

The CEO warned motorists to expect heavy traffic in the area as both lanes of the road remain closed.

As of Tuesday noon, proper warning signs have been installed at the excavated section of the road.

A temporary barrier and city garbage bin, previously placed by residents as makeshift warning devices, have since been removed.