DPWH orders probe into covered manholes

Metro Manila Manhole Problem- A Maynilad worker emerges from a manhole along East Ave. in quezon city after checking for clogged drainages, following the massive flooding along VLuna last tuesday that left the road unpassable to light vehicles for 24 hours.INQUIRER/ MARIANNE BERMUDEZ

MANILA, Philippines – The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has ordered an immediate investigation into the “covered manholes” believed to have caused flooding in Metro Manila due to intense rains triggered by a Low Pressure Area (LPA).

The order of DPWH secretary Rogelio Singson came on Thursday, a few days after some parts of Metro Manila experienced waist-deep floods blamed on clogged or “covered manholes.”

Singson has directed the DPWH National Capital Region to “inspect the flooded areas to check the real number and location of the ‘covered manholes,'” DPWH said in a statement released Thursday.

“I want them to submit immediately the reports on the inventory of these manholes and identify the negligent contractors and project engineers who are responsible in covering these manholes,” Singson said.

He said that “those who are found guilty [of] such violation, whether they did it intentionally or not,” will be held liable.

“They will do the clearing and they will shoulder the work expenses at no extra cost from the government,” Singson said.

DPWH officials responsible “for the work of the contractors will also be penalized / sanctioned, with the least being suspended from office,” he said.

The manholes, especially the inlets in road gutters of highways, are important for the easy flow of floodwater. These should be free from any obstruction, whether garbage or excess asphalt so as not to clog the canals and impede the flow of floodwater, DPWH said.

Private contractors might have rushed the upgrading of major thoroughfares, but it should not be an excuse to put the quality and safety of our roads and drainage at risk, Singson said.