Flooding solution not on DPWH’s priority list

CEBU, Philippines - The total solution to the flooding problem in Cebu City is not among the priorities of the Department of Public Works and Highways as shown on the list of the agency’s proposed projects in 2015.

DPWH-Cebu City District Engineer Fernando Cruz announced that a total of P1.45 billion worth of projects was included in the 2015 proposed budget of the agency which is under deliberation in Congress.

 Of the total amount, P450 million will go to the south district while around P1 billion will go to the north district. Cruz said that South District Rep. Rodrigo Abellanosa has asked an additional P200 million from DPWH Secretary Rogelio Singson.

 Cruz explained that most of the projects under Abellanosa’s district are for road widening that are difficult to accomplish and will take time to expropriate properties while a lot of projects have to be developed in the north district under Rep. Raul del Mar.

Cruz admitted that no substantive amount was allocated for the total solution of the flooding problem in the city. He said only projects that are considered remedial measures to flooding problem have been given allocations.

“We allocated some but it’s not for prevention, it’s only for palliative measures or remedial measures only,” said Cruz during the 888 News Forum at Marco Polo Plaza yesterday.

 Cruz said Singson is trying to release around P65 million for the feasibility study of the masterplan for the whole Cebu City.

 “For the entire prevention of this flooding, it entails an estimated amount of P4 billion in order to control the flash floods during heavy rains,” Cruz said.

 He cited the huge amount needed to clear bottle neck of the creeks such as in Colon area where a big mall is situated over the creek.

 With only P100 million to P200 million budget, Cruz said it cannot totally solve the problem even if they prioritize it.

 Cruz clarified that in every road widening and road construction projects, drainage is a component.

 In the case of the south district, Cruz also reported that there is an additional of P176 million to the P200 million which Abellanosa requested for the road-right-of-way acquisition making it a total of P376 million under the DPWH budget.

 Singson is hoping the proposed budget will be approved as early as first week of January 2015 for them to implement projects as soon as possible.—(FREEMAN)