Kanus-a Paman ni Mahuman? The Cost of an Unfinished Road in Lamac, Consolacion

“Wa mani kahumanan ilang pag-ayos sa dalan oy” (This road construction has been going on forever)

These expressions and sentiments have become common among residents of Barangay Lamac, Consolacion Cebu, as a road construction project that began more than a year ago continues to affect their daily lives.

On February 6, 2025, the DPWH Cebu issued a resolution related to the ₱48-million infrastructure project aimed at improving local road networks and drainage systems to help address issues like flooding in Lamac, Consolacion.

Following the start of the construction, road closures were implemented in parts of the barangay to give way.

Residents from upper areas had to use alternative routes, many in which were narrow roads leading to the main highway and while these narrow roads allowed access to main streets, they created new challenges.

Vehicles traveling in opposite directions often met in the middle, causing traffic congestion and delays.

For many residents, daily commutes and travels became longer and frustrating. Several of them noted that there were months in 2025 when little to no construction activity happened.

“Paghuman sa eleksyon, mura rag wa oy. Imbis para sa baha tong ilang gitrabaho, naabtan na hinuon ug Tino, wa jud nahuman” (After the elections, it seemed like nothing happened. They said they were fixing the flooding problem, but a year has already passed, we got hit by Typhoon Tino, and it still isn’t finished.)

Fast forward to today, July 2026, construction remains to be ongoing. Fortunately, portions of the road have been converted into a one-way route, which may be good news to some but also remains to be an inconvenience to people who rely on the area for daily travel.

Road projects are often needed to improve transportation and address issues like flooding but a prolonged construction period raises questions about efficiency and accountability.

For the people in Barangay Lamac, Consolacion Cebu, the promise of better roads and improved drainage systems has been overshadowed by months of uncertainty.

More than a year later, many residents are left wondering: Who should be held accountable when public infrastructure projects take much longer than expected?

Article by – Zennia Andrea Alforque, TMC Intern