OUTGOING Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Junard “Ahong” Chan has called out the contractor behind a drainage project in Barangay Babag, citing the inconvenience it has caused to local residents and students.
The drainage project is located near Babag Elementary School and Babag National High School. Parents and business owners raised concerns over hazardous conditions that worsen during rain.
In a phone interview with SunStar Cebu on Sunday, June 22, 2025, Chan said the fill materials used to cover the drainage pipes were of poor quality. The contractor, Venray Construction, admitted the error and confirmed that the material turns muddy and slippery when wet.
Chan said corrective measures have been taken, including mixing asphalt into the fill to minimize future disruptions.
“I’m asking for understanding from motorists. The agreement was for the work to be done at night and the road to be covered by morning to keep it passable and reduce traffic. We’re just trying to strike a balance,” Chan said in Cebuano.
Concerns
Glenda (not her real name), a mother of two students at Babag National High School, said the road becomes slippery and unsafe during heavy rain.
“The road is fine when it’s dry, but when it rains, it becomes really muddy and dangerous,” she said in Cebuano. “I hope it doesn’t rain because once it does, the mud in Babag gets really bad, it becomes slippery.”
A nearby food establishment owner shared similar concerns, noting that the muddy conditions slow traffic.
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration declared the start of the rainy season on June 2.
A motorcycle driver, who requested anonymity, told SunStar Cebu that the thick mud causes tires to get stuck, making it nearly impossible to move without help.
Residents have appealed to the City Government to expedite the work. They suggested placing stepping stones to help students pass through without soiling their shoes.
Chan said he would closely monitor the project and urge the contractor to speed up completion to ensure student safety.
Only 60 meters of the project remain. Three more polyvinyl chloride or PVC pipes will be installed toward the church in Babag, extending to the corner of Barangay Calawisan.
“Once the 60-meter section is fully laid, that will be the right time for them to begin preparations for the cementing phase,” Chan said.
The project is expected to be completed by the end of June. (DPC)