P38M flood control projects underway

CEBU, Philippines - Over P38 million more of flood control projects are underway after the Cebu City Council approved the Program of Works and Estimates (POWE) of various drainage systems and river bank protection, including dredging of rivers and creek, within the flood- prone areas in the city.

This is to further improve the drainage system in the City which has recently been experiencing severe flooding during heavy downpour. Officials have blamed this on the absence of a comprehensive drainage system.

In the batch of POWE approved by the Council last week, a drainage system will be constructed separately in barangays Inayawan, Banilad and Lorega-San Miguel.

The City also approved the POWE for the proposed dredging of Bulacao River which will cost P13.1 to cover the river’s portion from the SRP to F. Jaca St. Bridge in Inayawan.

The P13-million budget shall already include the cost of the demolition of structures that block the passage of equipment before the actual removal of accumulated silts and garbage.

Aside from dredging, the City will also construct river bank protection along Bulacao River to the coastline in Inayawan which will cost P9.9 million.

The Squatters Prevention Encroachment and Elimination Division (Speed) earlier identified 72 houses that encroach on the three-meter easement zone or danger zone that will have to be removed in the area.

Another P7.7 million will be appropriated for the dredging of the T. Padilla creek from the Tejero Creek to T. Padilla to Imus Road. A river bank protection will also be constructed along the same creek from the corner of Sikatuna and Bonifacio Sts.

The dredging of Tagunol River from the coastline to Tagunol Bridge in Barangay Basak-Pardo will cost about P5.3 million.

The City in 2009 funded the dredging of Guadalupe River and the dredging of Mahiga River last month.

Mayor Michael Rama ordered the immediate dredging of Mahiga River after the January 25 flooding that caused knee-deep flooding in the North Reclamation Area, particularly within the vicinity of the river where one of the biggest malls in Cebu is located.

Earlier, the mayor announced that he would include in the next supplement budget the budget for a comprehensive drainage program for the city.

It will cost hundreds of millions and the mayor has asked the local finance committee and the engineering department to determine how much the project will cost. (FREEMAN)