P20.8M proposed for river dredging

CEBU, Philippines - To prevent flooding caused by river overflow, Cebu City North District Representative Raul del Mar allotted P20.8 million to dredge the Subangdaku River in 2014.

“This is to remove silts and garbage from the river because if we wait for CPA to do the dredging, it might not be done soonest. It has to be addressed now,” del Mar told reporters.

Dredging is the deepening or widening of a channel or waterway to clear it from any obstruction.

The congressman, returning to the elective office after taking a rest for one term, stressed that it is not just the City Government that is concerned of drainage and risks of flooding in Cebu City.

He said that the dredging and other infrastructure projects do not coincide with the master plan of the City Government being not in good terms with Mayor Michael Rama.

However, the listing of projects is a product of series of consultation with the city engineering, the Department of Public Works and Highways as well as concerned barangays.

DPWH Cebu City District Engineer Nicomedes Leonor said while he has seen the city’s drainage master plan, he planned to ask for a copy from the city engineering office so that future projects will coincide with it, apart from being need-based.

Meanwhile, Rama yesterday complained about not being included in the proposed infrastructure projects in preparation for possible hosting of Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in 2015.

“I attended the meeting with representatives from APEC, business sector and government agencies last night (Tuesday). I was surprised to hear from DPWH that among the planned infrastructure projects mentioned, none of them is for Cebu City,” Rama told reporters.

The cities of Mandaue and Lapu-lapu were mentioned which made him wonder why Cebu City was not included when big hotels are located in his city.

He further lamented that organizers should be clear as to the participation of each local government unit to be given ample time to prepare. —  (FREEMAN)