Piling activities have begun for a new seawall project here, raising questions from some residents who say the work has started before the bidding process is complete.
The project is reportedly planned to connect the coastal areas of Barangay San Juan to Barangay Daan Lungsod. The cost, however, is a source of confusion.
Some residents allege the project is worth billions of pesos, but Engr. Joel V. Sinatao, overseer of the City Planning and Development Office, said the project’s cost is only P400 million.
However, he did not clarify if this figure represents the total cost or a single phase.
A resident reported that dumping activity began more than a month ago in the coastal area of Barangay 14, situated between San Juan and Daan Lungsod.
Barangay 14 Chairman Elias Taneo said the contractor has not yet secured a barangay clearance, which is a normal part of the process.
When asked if the contractor was Equi-Parco Construction Company, Taneo said, “I’m not sure.”
The piling activity and dumping of boulders, gravel, and soil are taking place in an area approximately 60 meters wide.
In a City Development Council meeting on August 26, Mayor Erick Cañosa mentioned that the bidding for the project was “on going.”
The project is designed to help with disaster mitigation. Once completed, it is expected to include a jogging track, baywalk, bike lane, and solar-powered street lights for the community.
