The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) will conduct a thorough investigation into the damaged portion of the San Mateo Flood Control Project in Arayat.
DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon, together with Pampanga Vice Governor Delta Pineda and Arayat Mayor Jeffrey Luriz, inspected the site on Friday and found tilted and damaged sheet piles and a collapsed portion of the road, raising concern among residents.
According to Dizon, the project is only a year old but has already sustained major damage — about 250 meters of damaged road and 56 linear meters of sheet pile.
He stressed that the project is still under warranty, making it the contractor’s obligation to immediately repair the damaged sections.
The DPWH will also form a joint inspection team with the Provincial Government of Pampanga to determine the cause of the damage and whether there was negligence or violation of construction standards.
As part of the probe, the embedded sheet piles will be pulled out and examined to check if substandard materials were used and if the required depth was followed. Based on project specifications, the sheet piles should be 36 meters long — equivalent to a 10-storey building.
“Under warranty pa ito. 2024 project ito, wala pang 5 years. Kailangan gawin ito, ayusin ito, pero kailangang ayusin ito nang tama, katulad ng ginawa natin sa Mindoro. Nakapagtataka talaga kung bakit isang taon pa lang, bumigay na ito. Papabunot na ito, papa-check natin kung tama ang sukat ng sheet piles nito. 36 meters dapat ito. Tingnan natin kung totoo nga ito,” Dizon said.
Vice Governor Pineda said the Capitol will not tolerate any negligence or irregularity in the project’s implementation. If liability is established, the Provincial Government will lead in filing appropriate charges against those responsible.
“Commitment namin sa inyo, kapag hindi tama ang sukat niyan, magfa-file kami agad ng case with the permission of our Secretary. Hindi lang contractor, lahat ng nandoon mananagot,” Pineda said.
The DPWH will also request a hold departure order against individuals involved, in accordance with legal process, to ensure they face the investigation.
The post DPWH to probe damaged San Mateo Flood Control Project in Arayat first appeared on Pampanga News Now.