Mayor Michael Rama: SRP drainage ‘desilting to the hilt’

CEBU, Philippines — After getting in and checking the drainage himself, Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama yesterday suggested that Citi de Mare at the South Road Properties (SRP) stop with its planned intervention plan against flooding.

Instead, the mayor ordered a massive "desilting to the hilt" at the SRP and for Filinvest Land Inc. (FLI) to do cross-drainage construction for Citi de Mare.

Last year, the basement area of one of the SRP condos that FLI owned went viral after cars were filmed submerged in floodwaters.

FLI, which has a joint venture agreement with the city government, sought the city's help. But while interventions were made, another flooding, though not as bad as that in 2022, was again experienced there last July.

Phase 4 of the identified flooding solution was supposedly set to be implemented, but after yesterday’s inspection, Mayor Rama told FLI officials not to proceed with it and do cross-drainage instead.

“Desilt to the hilt! From one end to the other,” Rama declared after checking the drainage.

SRP Manager Bo Varquez said that both sides of the El Pardo road of the SRP actually have a drainage system, with one made by FLI and the other side by the Department of Public Works and Highways.

The mayor said that the one by DPWH is clogged.

“The worst thing here, there’s a drainage (system) that is not moving.  Make it move!” Rama said.

He told FLI officials work closely with City Hall for the desilting effort and in putting the cross-drainage to solve the problem.

FLI first vice president for townships Don S. Ubaldo, FLI area general manager for Visayas John Paul Escario, City di Mare project development manager Patrick Arthur Tano, FLI deputy general manager for Citi de Mare Gwen Sala, and project engineer Neil River Lucero would lead the desilting and cleanup this Saturday, Oct. 21.

The mayor said city employees would also be sent to help.

“You need help, we help, but also help us because who is going to be the beneficiary of this?” Rama said.

He argued that if flooding is no longer a problem, the area would see an increase in economic activity and development.

He already declared that the annual Sinulog would still be staged in the area in 2024. — (FREEMAN)