Council infra committee looking at P95M funding for drainage in six brgys

CEBU, Philippines - The committee on infrastructure is currently looking at a P95.2-million comprehensive drainage project proposed by the Cebu City Department of Engineering and Public Works for approval by the City Council.

DEPW recently submitted the proposal to the committee chairman, City Councilor Roberto Cabarrubias, for a sponsorship measure.

The amount is for the construction and rehabilitation of drainage in six barangays, including channel improvement of Mahiga River from Queen City Cemetery to the Mahiga and Lahing-lahing junction (P35.6 million), and from M.J Cuenco Avenue to Queen City Cemetery (P25.03 million).

There would also be the construction of concrete lined canals with cover in Barangay Basak San Nicolas (P15.8 million), Bulacao (P2.04 million) and Barangay Lorega San Miguel(P5.4 million); construction of drainage systems in Barangay Capitol Site (P760, 670), near Casals Village in Barangay Mabolo (P4.1 million), and in Sitio Katangkongan in Barangay Sambag I (P5.9 million).

These projects were already approved by Mayor Michael Rama. The amount would be sourced from the 2014 Annual Budget.

DEPW Chief Jose Marie Poblete said that apart from the proposal, an additional P100 million worth of infrastructure projects would also be proposed to supplement the existing projects.

He said, though, that no matter how much funds the city would appropriate for drainage construction, improvement and rehabilitation, if people continue to throw garbage anywhere, they still would not work.

“It’s not only about engineering and enforcement but also education. We have to educate our people on garbage segregation and importance of not throwing garbage on streets, rivers, creeks, and the like; because in the long run we might end in frustration after putting up millions in these projects,” he said.

Councilor Margarita Osmeña agreed, saying, “We have to help because it is a problem that’s in front of our faces.”

Meanwhile, the Council has asked DEPW to submit a comprehensive summary of drainage projects in previous years and their accounts and as well a list of project priorities, before the month ends. (FREEMAN)