MANILA, Philippines — Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon blew his top after seeing fresh potholes along EDSA in Makati City, where rainwater had pooled on the newly rehabilitated pavement, leading to the early deterioration of the asphalt.
“It’s just been rehabilitated!” Dizon fumed when he inspected the damaged section following days of heavy rain.
He immediately ordered the contractor to repair the potholes, saying that the government will not pay for it.
The DPWH chief traced the problem to a basic but critical issue: water had nowhere to go.
“This is the lowest point of Phase 1. All the water that comes down here stays here,” Dizon said.
The affected portion has no adequate drainage outlet, allowing rainwater to accumulate along the dedicated bus lane. With vehicles repeatedly passing over the saturated pavement, the standing water can accelerate the deterioration of asphalt.
