City saves P554 million flood control project

CEBU, Philippines — At least P554-million worth of flood control project has been saved from termination after the Cebu City government has committed to clear the project site from illegal structures.

Cebu City Councilor Jerry Guardo said the city’s failure to immediately clear the project site prompted the Department of Public Works and Highways to suspend the implementation of the project.

Guardo, chairman of the committee on infrastructure, said he was able to go over some projects that were suspended by the DPWH and are due for termination. These include the flood control project along Barangays Duljo-Fatima and Mambaling that is aimed to improve the waterflow of Kinalumsan River.

Guardo said he immediately asked the DPWH’s Unified Project Management Office to continue the project and save the city government from “losing” over half a billion-worth of project.

“Sayang gyud unta kaayo kung wa pa nako mabantayi. I immediately met all concerned parties and discuss about the project. Sayang kaayo kung ma-revert sa national government ang budget, it’s worth P554 million. Mas lisod og pangayo og budget from them,” said Guardo.

DPWH suspended the implementation of the project in October 2020 and is already due for termination middle of this year if the area remains not workable.

Guardo said it is the responsibility of the local government to clear the areas for the flood control projects. The city government is set to start its clearing operations around Duljo-Fatima and Mambaling tomorrow.

Around 200 illegal structures, mostly residential houses, are expected to be cleared for blocking the waterways.

Guardo said the managements of both Gaisano and Budget Builders, which will be affected by the project, have expressed their full cooperation. — FPL (FREEMAN)