MANILA - The Commission on Audit has noticed unimplemented and delayed flood control projects of the Metro Manila Development Authority amounting to more than P178 million pesos.

In its report, COA said various projects were either not implemented or not competed within the specific contract time "due to inadequate planning and absence of coordination mechanism" with the Department of Public Works and Highways, local governments, communities and other agencies.

The commission also took note of the following flood control projects which were awarded to contractors but were not implemented as of December 31, 2016:

-RNN Construction Corporation for draimage improvement along Pasong Tamo, Bgy. Bangkal, Makati City;
- Rain Constuction Corporation along J.P. Rizal, Makati City;
- Dahl Construction Drainage improvement and construction of sump pit with pump at Estero de Vitas, Tondo, Manila;
- ALE Construction Proposed drainage improvement along Quirino Avenue Cor. Pedro Gil, Manila.

As a result, flooding is a perennial problem for those living and working along Pasong Tamo in Makati where knee-deep floods arise within minutes of heavy rain.

"Minsan pag malakas ang ulan mataas-taas ang tubig, hanggang tuhod," said street vendor Aladin Afable.

(When it rains hard, the flood reaches knee level.)

There were also projects which were either delayed for various reasons such as unfavorable weather conditions.

Some projects also overlapped with DPWH projects such as funding for a drainage improvement project intended for Tuazon St. in Quezon City being realigned to also a drainage improvement project in Kitanlad St. also in Quezon City.

A drainage improvement project in Kitanlad St. was ongoing when ABS-CBN News visited area, but workers said the contract was under the DPWH.

But whether the project is being undertaken by the MMDA or the DPWH is the least of concerns of residents who are hopeful that the project will help ease their problems during the rainy season.

But it still remains to be seen as the rainy season has just started. Residents also say improving the drainage system is just one of the solutions as they believe their area is also affected by the high tide in neighboring cities of Malabon and Navotas.

The COA report also recognized the side of the MMDA which admitted the lack of coordination with the DPWH. It recommended that the two agencies coordinate with each other.

ABS-CBN News has reached out to MMDA for comment, but has not received any reply as of posting.