Filinvest asked to help address flooding at SRP

CEBU, Philippines — The Cebu City government has asked a real estate developer to help come up with a long-term solution to the flooding problem at the South Road Properties (SRP) affecting some residential buildings in the area.

Cebu City Vice Mayor Raymond Alvin Garcia said he had met with the representatives of Filinvest Land Incorporated and Department of Engineering and Public Works (DEPW) on Monday to discuss the possible solution to the problem.

A video showing waist-deep floodwaters at the basement parking of a condominium building at SRP went viral following a heavy downpour last week. In the video, several vehicles were seen submerged in floodwaters.

“We have received complaints coming from netizens nga naay mga uban nga mga sakyanan, mga motorsiklo nga nanglutaw and it came from a condominium in SRP,” said Garcia.

“Mao na nga gipatawag nako ang taga Filinvest so that mapangitaan og solusyon ang problema. That is a joint-venture between the City of Cebu and Filinvest. Mao nang nigrabe ang concern sa City of Cebu and Filinvest, mao nang grabe ang concern sa City of Cebu regarding solving that problem,” he added.

During the meeting, Garcia said, they have come up with a short-term solution for the concern which was the conduct of dredging and delisting operation by the DEPW to help manage the flow of water in the affected area.

Dredging is the act of removing silt and other material from the bottom of bodies of water, while delisting is the removal of fine sand and clay carried by running water.

In addition, Garcia said that it was the directive of Mayor Michael Rama to look for a long-term solution to the address the city’s flooding problem.

“Of course, we are looking for a long-term solution. Usa pud na sa atong gi-discuss… I have told them also nga dapat ang long-term solution mahatagan nasad og importansya ug matrabahoan napud na dayon,” he said.

Last Friday, August 5, Rama ordered the immediate clearing of the banks of rivers, or the removal of structures within the three-meter easement of waterways, to avoid loss of lives due to overflowing rivers caused by the heavy rains.

Currently, Filinvest has an existing 40-hectare joint venture with the city and a 10-hectare commercial development at Pond F of the SRP.

Last 2020, the Filinvest consortium, composed of Filinvest companies and Sytengco-owned companies, signed a deed of absolute sale with the city for a 19.2-hectare property in SRP. —FPL (FREEMAN)