DPWH Initiates Full Investigation Following Collapse of Pampanga Flood Control Dike
The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has commenced a comprehensive technical assessment in response to the recent collapse of a critical flood control structure in Barangay Candating, Arayat, Pampanga. This incident has raised serious concerns about infrastructure integrity and public safety in the flood-prone region.
Details of the Failed Flood Mitigation Project
The compromised structure, measuring 110.20 meters in length, was specifically designed to shield Barangay Candating from the overflow of the Pampanga River. Despite being completed in 2023, the slope protection project catastrophically failed during the peak of Super Typhoon Carina in 2004, highlighting a significant timeline discrepancy and potential early warning signs. Government records indicate that a total of P300 million has been allocated to this project since 2018, with substantial funds disbursed to Edmarri Construction and Trading.
The contractor received the project in two distinct phases:
- An initial award of P91 million in 2023 for construction work.
- A subsequent allocation of P182 million in 2024 for further development and enhancements.
Official Response and Investigation Findings
In an official statement released to the media, DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon confirmed that the agency is expediting a full-scale investigation and developing a permanent engineering solution, as directed by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. "We are fast-tracking all necessary actions to address this failure and prevent future occurrences," Dizon emphasized.
Preliminary reports from the assessment point to fundamental design flaws and the contractor's apparent failure to rectify critical weaknesses in the dike's structural foundations. Engineering teams have already been deployed to the site to implement immediate protective measures for nearby residences and residents affected by the collapse.
"The design will be completely overhauled to ensure we establish a structurally sound and permanent flood control system," Secretary Dizon assured the public, underscoring the commitment to long-term safety.
Accountability and Legal Proceedings
The DPWH has announced that it is actively identifying all parties involved in the project, including the contractor, DPWH personnel, and other relevant individuals. Findings from the thorough investigation will be formally submitted to the Office of the Ombudsman and the Department of Justice (DOJ) for potential prosecution and to ensure full accountability.
This collapsed dike is a crucial component of the broader flood mitigation initiative in the area, which is notoriously susceptible to flooding during periods of heavy rainfall. The incident underscores the urgent need for rigorous oversight and robust engineering standards in public infrastructure projects.
