Water catchment basin pushed versus Cebu City’s flood woes

CEBU, Philippines —  Cebu City North District Councilor Nestor Archival revealed that while major projects for solving the flood problem in Cebu City are being worked on or underway, it is best to take alternatives or preliminary measures to prevent the floodwaters from rising.

One of Archival’s proposals is to establish water catchments in the mountains.

In this way, he said, the flow of water downstream will be slowed down.

It will also be an advantage since the water to be stored in catchments can be used for irrigation for farmers.

Archival said he will make a resolution for that purpose and is optimistic that his fellow councilors will agree to it.

The councilor added that the flood problem is already very real in various parts of the city, so it is time for the government to find more ways to provide a solution to it.

Another benefit of water catchments, according to Archival, is that they help prevent the erosion of the water source underground.

Because of this, homeowners living below the mountain will no longer have to worry, especially during heavy rains.

In previous reports, Cebu City will get more funds from the Department of Public Works and Highways for the completion of some flood-control projects in the city.

City Councilor Jerry Guardo, chairman of the committee on infrastructure, hopes that the city residents will cooperate in the campaign against flooding by throwing their garbage properly.

At least P450 million worth of various flood control projects are being utilized  in the city as part of the solution to the flood problem it is currently facing.

Some of them are dredging and expansion of waterways as well as improvement of existing culverts, among others. —  JMD (FREEMAN)