Flood-proof project OK’d for Mambaling underpass

CEBU, Philippines —  To finally address the flooding on Natalio Bacalso Avenue, the Cebu City Council gave it a go for the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to proceed with the civil works road widening project along the Mambaling underpass.

This was disclosed by Councilor Jerry Guardo, who chairs the council’s committee on infrastructure, to The FREEMAN yesterday.

“The project is seen to address the flooding dilemma there,” he said.

The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) presented the project before the council thrice before it was given a green light.

The project includes the construction of additional lanes or service roads on both sides of N. Bacalso with drainage systems to accommodate large volumes of rainwater, said Guardo.

“Additional lanes (service road) will be constructed on both sides of N. Bacalso, incorporating a new drainage design to accommodate large volumes of rainwater without the need of compromising some existing Narra and Mahogany trees,” he said.

There are around 122 Narra and Mahogany trees around the area that will serve as a center island based on the new design presented.

Guardo said that the Technical Infrastructure Committee (TIC) has also already moved for approval of the permit of the project after evaluation and review.

For the time being, DPWH already mobilized its mobile water pump equipment during heavy downpour, and desilting/maintenance of the existing drainage lines.

DPWH accordingly will be increasing the inlet and conduit areas of existing drainage system points where expected volume of run-off will converge, as well as put an additional pipeline for run-off disposal.

Also, it will reconstruct the existing drainage line to redirect run-off flow going southward.

Moreover, homeowners who will be affected by the service road project were called for a meeting with DPWH and Guardo on Thursday.

“We have already scheduled a conference with the affected homeowners on Thursday. Ipatawag tong mga nakadawat nag-writ of possession sa DPWH ug katong na issuehan na sa court,” said Guardo. — KQD (FREEMAN)