THE Commission on Audit (CoA) has flagged the provincial government of Camarines Norte over delays in the completion of its infrastructure projects worth P1.25 billion, depriving its constituents of the supposed benefits of the civil works.
State auditors said that 10 infrastructure projects funded through loans from state-owned banks and the province’s development fund were still in the process of being constructed despite lapsing the target completion dates, with some projects being delayed by as much as two years.
“[An] evaluation of the submitted Accomplishment Report of the PEO (Provincial Engineering Office) disclosed that at least 10 infrastructure projects funded in prior years in total amount of P1,252,396,936 were not completed within the target completion dates as stipulated in its respective contract agreements,†part of the CoA report stated.
“The delay ranges from 287 to 838 calendar days beyond the original contract or expiry dates,†it added.
The Provincial Government of Camarines Norte did not immediately respond to an e-mail seeking comment, but noted in the report that “efforts are being exerted… to fast-track and monitor all ongoing projects.â€
State auditors urged the provincial government to ensure the completion of the projects and levy sanctions against the contractors handling the delayed works. — Kenneth Christiane L. Basilio
