The Commission on Audit has called the attention of the provincial government of Benguet to hold a private contractor to its obligation to correct defects and other concerns regarding the P225.873 million Ambakian Farm to Market Road project.
“Structural defects were noted in the ongoing project… indicating that work execution was not in accordance with specifications,” government auditors said in their report released last April 4.
Invoking Section 2 of RA 9184 or the Government Procurement Reform Act, the audit team said the contractor is required by law to “undertake repair works, at his own expense, of any defect or damage to the infrastructure projects” if these are attributable to inferior materials.
The defects were discovered during the onsite inspection conducted by the auditors with the assistance of the COA-Cordillera Administrative Region Technical Services Office (CAR-TSO) on February 16 to 17, 2022. It was done in the presence of representatives from the Provincial Engineering Office.
Inspectors said the project was already 75.92 percent completed with an equivalent cost of P171.49 million. A partial payment had already been made to the contractor on September 1, 2021 totaling P52.89 million.
Among the issues listed by the inspection team were “traverse/longitudinal cracks” on the concrete pavement, “insufficient grout and boulders” as required in the specifications for the grouted riprap, and damaged or clogged catch basins or inlets.
The COA urged the provincial government to notify the contractor of these concerns before the project timetable expires.
“With contract duration of 575 calendar days, the target date of the project completion is on April 22, 2022, hence not yet expired. The deficiencies and defective works, if not immediately repaired may result in the fast deterioration of the KM. 49 — Ambakian Farm to Market Road,” the commission said.
The province was notified that its Provincial Engineering Office must require the contractor to make the necessary repairs as these would still be included in the compliance punch-list before the certificate of completion is issued.
