City to create master plan for rivers

CEBU, Philippines - The Cebu City River Management Council is set to conduct a master planning for the big rivers in the city especially Mahiga River for the rivers’ development.

Six major rivers in the city namely Bulacao River, Buhisan and Kinalumsan River, Lahug River, Guadalupe River, Butuanon River and the Mahiga River will be given focus, said CCRMC secretary Deogracia Sumaylo.

The proposed budget for the master planning is around P3 million, she said.

Sumaylo said the amount will possibly be spent in conducting surveys in the various rivers within the city and the equipment to be used, among others. The City will also hire a master planner.

According to Sumaylo, there are no details yet on what will happen in the master planning, but she is hoping that this will be realized next year.

The CCRMC secretary said the detailed planning might start at the Mahiga River being one of the complicated rivers in the city considering the number of illegal structures built at its premises.

Based on earlier reports, the city has started developing the mouth of the river.

The construction of an embankment which was aimed to control the overflowing of water was stopped because the Department of Public Works and Highways will be dredging the said part of the river.

According to Sumaylo, the embankment for Mahiga River is just the initial phase of their rehabilitation project. — (FREEMAN)