DPWH-7 bares P2 billion flood mitigation projects

CEBU, Philippines - To augment the drainage system of the local government units, the Department of Public Works and Highways-7 yesterday presented at least P2 billion worth of ongoing and proposed flood mitigation projects in Metro Cebu.

DPWH-7 director Ador Canlas, however, clarified that these projects will not address the perennial problem, but for remedial measures only.

Based on the figures provided by Canlas at least P700 million worth of projects are currently being implemented and about P1.3 billion worth of proposed projects. 

DPWH Cebu City district engineer Fernando Cruz said over P100, 000 worth of construction and maintenance of flood mitigation structures in different villages are ongoing in Barangays Guadalupe, Calamba, Duljo Fatima, Kalunasan, Kinasang-an, and Labangon.

Over P500 million worth of infrastructure projects were proposed to be implemented in Cebu City in 2015. This includes the P176 million construction of sidewalk, curb and gutter, and drainage system in preparation for the proposed underpass or catch basin at N. Bacalso Avenue and F. Llamas intersection.

Cruz said that south district Representative Bebot Abellanosa has also proposed to have a two-lane 700-meter-long underpass in the area that would serve as passage of vehicles but will be closed during heavy downpour.

DPWH Cebu 6th engineering district head Suzette Nwanaka said that there are 10 newly completed and ongoing construction and maintenance of flood mitigating projects and drainage systems in the cities of Mandaue and Lapu-Lapu.

Nwanaka said that the construction of flood control along Mactan Circumferential Road has been completed recently while some improvements and rehabilitation of drainage system in Mandaue City are still ongoing.

She said there are also at least P485 million worth of proposed flood control projects in her district which includes the improvement and rehabilitation of flood control structure with dredging of bridge waterways along Mahiga Creek in Mandaue City.

DPWH 2nd engineering district chief Nicomedes Leonor, Jr. said his office has ongoing rehabilitation projects of drainage systems in Carcar City, Minglanilla, San Fernando, and Sibonga.

He said over P300 million worth of flood control structures parallel to the national roads in his district is also being proposed to be implemented next year. (FREEMAN)