Construction work on a road project in Barangay Pamurayan, Sorsogon City, has been suspended following complaints about the use of substandard materials and not following the program of works and lack of safety precautions.

According to Barangay Captain Arles Janaban, they already had an earlier meeting with the contractor and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) 1st Engineering District, and have agreed that the issue will be resolved.

However, during a visit to the construction site, Janaban saw that the construction continued with some of the gravel used being bigger than his fist.

"Inabutan na namin na ito na nangyayari, nagkakaroon na ng concreating, and pinakamasama doon, base sa pagkakaalam ko, ang dapat na gamitin nila na bato o yung gravel ay J1, pero sa ngayon sa nakita ko ay malaki pa rito oh — malaki pa rito sa kamao ko ang mga bato na nandiyan," Janaban sand.

The DPWH said they don't have a problem with stopping the project temporarily if there really are issues that need to be addressed.

"Tama naman po yun na pinahinto kasi maynakita naman po, yung mga discrepancy katulad nga nung ano — pero yung sinasabi niyo pong pagamit ng mga rhinoblock, minsan kasi po pinapayagan yun pag may consent yung project engineer," Engr. Priscilla Jebulan, DPWH 1st District Engineer, said.

Regarding the issue of safety precautions and signages, according to the agency, these are indeed required. There are instances when these are removed or tampered with by others, especially at night, but they should be restored by morning for public safety.

The DPWH said it will monitor the situation closely and take appropriate action if it is proven that the contractor did not comply with the program of works. If proven so, the contractor may be removed from the project.