Only 30 percent implemented projects hit snag

CEBU, Philippines — Only 20 to 30 percent of infrastructure projects planned over the past two years by the Cebu City government have been implemented due to delays caused by documentation processes, such as obtaining locational clearances.

This was disclosed by Councilor Jerry Guardo, chairman of the Committee on Infrastructure of the City Council, hence his call to the government to streamline the processes for government-funded projects.

Previously, Councilor Philip Zafra told The Freeman that the legislative body had observed several delays in infrastructure projects handled by the Department of Engineering and Public Works (DEPW).

He cited specific examples, such as the Food Terminal, which is intended to be a Bagsakan Center at the South Road Properties (SRP), and a drainage system project in Barangay Tisa.

Guardo, on the other hand, assessed that one of the factors contributing to the delays was the difficulty in obtaining locational clearances, which are required for Right-of-Way Acquisition from the Cebu City Planning and Development (CCPD) office.

He explained that for projects, such as road concreting with drainage system installations on both sides, locational clearances must be obtained first.

“Ang problema ang locational clearance, nga i-apply sa DEPW, pangayo-an nila og kanang mga individual consent or deed of donations from the owner… i-recall bitaw tanan, tagsa-tagsaon, and these cause delays,” said Guardo.

He also mentioned that these concerns were mostly encountered in upland areas, where owners often no longer possess copies of their land titles inherited from their ancestors.

Guardo admitted that he has been arguing against these processes, emphasizing that government-funded projects usually have perpetual rights of way and that barangays can attest to ownership based on their records.

According to Guardo, some of the disputed lots are privately-owned but have been used publicly. To conduct civil works, proof of donation showing that the title has been transferred to the city must be obtained first.

In line with this, Guardo said he had lobbied with the CCPD and the Cebu City Legal Office to find alternatives for streamlining these requirements for government-funded projects.

“Kay the city government wanted to have these projects implemented, we appropriated a budget for these projects, and then we are the ones making it difficult for us to implement these projects because of so many requirements,” said Guardo.

Guardo previously passed a resolution calling on the Cebu City administration to streamline the processes required to execute projects.

While there have been multiple observations that infrastructure projects have been progressing slowly, Guardo confirmed after reviewing records from the past two years, that only 20 to 30 percent of the planned projects had been implemented. He specified that these projects account for an P800-million budget from the Local Development Fund (LDF).

He reiterated that one of the primary reasons for the delay is the failure to obtain locational clearance from the CCPD. According to Guardo, this has been a persistent issue even in previous administrations.

Guardo said he has raised these concerns with Cebu City Mayor Raymond Alvin Garcia, requesting the latter to address the matter and meet with the CCPD and the City Legal Office to explore better alternatives.

“Mao lang na akong suggestion, kay sa executive man gud na,” said Guardo.

He stressed that addressing these bureaucratic hurdles could lead to greater accomplishments and progress in the city’s infrastructure projects. He said he specifically suggested that there should be a separate checklist of requirements for government-funded projects.

“Dira man gud masangit. Kita’y gobyerno, nya kita ray naglisod-lisod,” said Guardo.

He also pointed out that these requirements were the main reasons some barangays had to withdraw their infrastructure requests from the city as they could not comply with the documentation.

As for the drainage system in Tisa, which has faced delays, it was intended to serve as a rainwater catchment. Guardo explained that during the rainy season, rainwater hinders the contractor from continuing civil works. The rain loosens the soil foundation, making it unsuitable for construction.

The contractor must wait for the soil to dry before proceeding.

Guardo also mentioned that last year’s heavy downpours further complicated matters for the contractors. –/ATO (FREEMAN)