COA flags MMDA over P3 billion traffic, flood control projects

MANILA, Philippines — The Commission on Audit (COA) has called out the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) for failure to complete P3.164 billion worth of infrastructure projects, which aimed to address flooding and traffic congestion in the metropolis.

In its audit report on the MMDA, the COA noted that out of 94 programmed flood control projects of the agency for 2020 with a total funding of P1.072 billion, only 27 projects amounting to P237.033 million were completed while 67 projects worth P835.244 million remain unfinished.

The COA’s breakdown showed that of the unfinished flood control projects, nine have not started as of Dec. 31, 2020 while 33 are ongoing and 25 are waiting for Special Allotment Release Order from the Department of Budget and Management.

The audit team’s review of the MMDA’s procurement showed gaps in the period of action on flood control projects, particularly on the issuance of notice of award, conduct of bid evaluation and pre-procurement conference to the issuance of notice to proceed.

The COA said 41 additional flood control projects amounting to P444.213 million remain unfinished.

These include the improvement of Lingunan Creek in District I, Valenzuela; improvement and declogging of drainage system in Sta. Cruz, Tondo and Sampaloc in Manila; improvement of Bangkulasi cutoff channel in Navotas; reinforcement of concrete box culvert in Barangay Pinagsama, Taguig, and rehabilitation of Maricaban Creek also in Taguig.

State auditors also flagged the MMDA for failure to complete traffic-related projects amounting to P1.885 billion.