Cebu flood control project stalls, leaving residents vulnerable to rising waters
A flood control project in Cebu City's Barangay Tinago has faced delays, causing frustration among residents. The project, aimed at constructing riprap along Kamputhaw River, began in February 2025 but has since been slowed by bureaucracy and inadequate maintenance.
Mary Joy Bagares, a resident of the area, has voiced her concerns to Cebu City Councilor Dave Tumulak and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) but has yet to receive updates or timelines for completion. The project, awarded to the City Government of Cebu, has seen only a few workers on site on some days, further slowing progress.
The delay has been attributed to the need for a cutting permit from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) for a tree in the project's path. Despite this setback, Bagares urges fellow taxpayers to demand transparency and accountability in government-funded infrastructure projects. She believes the stalled project has worsened flooding in their area, with Typhoon Tino causing chest-level flooding and damaging belongings.
Residents of Barangay Tinago have had to clear portions of their property for the project and received right-of-way compensation from DPWH. Despite their sacrifices, they continue to face flooding issues due to the project's delay. Bagares urges DPWH to expedite the completion of the flood control project along Bonifacio Street to mitigate future flooding risks.
