Brgys urged to clean up Mananga riverbed

CEBU, Philippines -  Talisay City Councilors Danilo Caballero and Antonio Bacaltos are asking barangays along the Mananga riverbed to initiate a cleanup drive to prevent flooding within their respective territorial jurisdictions.

The city has since been unclogging waterways such as the Mananga River and its open canals in preparation for the rainy season.

"It is ideal to do a cleanup drive in Mananga River during this summer since clogged plastics and other solid wastes along the river bed can easily be picked up," the councilors said. 

The Mananga River, as an integral part of the Central Cebu River System, is already contaminated brought about by different types of waste disposed in the area, officials said.

According to Caballero and Bacaltos, the barangay officials are best to initiate cleanup drive in their respective areas.

Among the barangays who are within the Mananga River are Bulacao, Lagtang, Lawaan I, Lawaan II and Lawaan III.

Association of Barangay Council President Raul Cabañero said the non-stop rainfall can easily raise the water level in this river, with the excess water coming from neighboring mountain barangays, thereby endangering the lives of those living along the riverbanks.

The Bulacao River has also become a convenient dumpsite to those living near the area. All kinds of waste scattered along the river can cause flooding, Cabañero said.  (FREEMAN)