A devastating storm surge has exposed a critical infrastructure failure in Santa Catalina, Negros Oriental, leaving residents reeling and raising serious questions about the quality of construction. A concrete road and seawall project, overseen by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), crumbled under the force of Super Typhoon Uwan (international name: Fung-Wong). This event has not only caused significant damage but has also sparked controversy and concern among the local community.
In Sitio Nagbagang, Barangay Poblacion, the raging seawaters carved a deep hole into a portion of the national highway. This erosion led to the collapse of a section of the road, rendering it impassable to heavy vehicles. As a result, the area has been cordoned off, and reflectorized equipment has been installed to warn passersby, especially during the night.
Interestingly, this isn't the first time this road has been affected. Repair work was carried out in 2024 due to damage from a previous typhoon. But here's where it gets controversial... Despite the road's thickness, reports indicate that the project allegedly lacked steel bars for structural stability. While the seawall's riprap did contain some steel reinforcement, residents have expressed concerns, suggesting that the projects may be substandard.
The DPWH, however, has refuted these claims, asserting that the projects adhered to standard guidelines. This difference in perspective highlights a key point of contention.
Beyond the infrastructure damage, the storm surge also caused widespread destruction to homes in Santa Catalina. According to the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (PDRRMO), 13 houses were completely destroyed, and 12 were partially damaged in Santa Catalina alone. Across the entire province, the damage assessment revealed that at least 21 houses were destroyed, 31 were partially damaged, and one was slightly damaged.
What do you think? Do you believe the projects were substandard, or do you trust the DPWH's assertion that they followed proper guidelines? Share your thoughts in the comments below – let's discuss the importance of resilient infrastructure and accountability in disaster-prone areas!
