NO GHOST PROJECT: Mansaya creek flood control failed due to obstructions

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By Rjay Zuriaga Castor

The PHP 37 million flood control project in Barangay Mansaya, Lapuz, was completed but failed to serve its purpose after obstructions along the creek prevented floodwaters from flowing naturally during recent heavy rains, according to a post-inspection report.

The maintenance section of the Iloilo City District Engineering Office (ICDEO) reported that the project, which involved building a revetment wall in Mansaya Creek, was implemented in 2021 and completed in May 2022.

The structure, constructed by Pasig City-based St. Gerrard Construction General Contractor and Development Corp., included a 400-linear-meter concrete dike with an access road.

The ICDEO said the project was designed to ease flooding in low-lying areas along the Mansaya Creek.

However, residents and barangay officials in Lapuz Norte, Don Esteban, and Sinikway complained that flooding persisted in their areas, especially during the heavy rains in July.

They pointed out that the Mansaya-Budburan Creek, considered the natural waterway of Lapuz, was not cleared, worsening the overflow during storms.

Their complaint was confirmed by the ICDEO report, which revealed that the flood control system did not function as intended due to man-made obstructions that blocked the creek’s natural flow.

Among the cited problems were an embankment from an adjacent private construction project, reclamation of natural waterways, and the presence of illegal structures along the flood control system.

“The illegal structures and embankment from the private construction adjacent to the flood control present a serious threat to public safety, infrastructure integrity, and flood resilience in the area,” the ICDEO said.

The agency recommended the immediate removal of the embankment and other obstructions to restore the creek’s natural path and allow water to flow freely, in order to prevent further flooding hazards.