FLOOD CONTROL ON
P900M worth of river rehabilitation projects include several rivers, waterways in Metro Cebu
Hired contractors of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) are now implementing multi-million flood control projects for Metro Cebu.
The flood control projects involve the rehabilitation of some rivers in the cities of Cebu and Mandaue.
In an interview last week, Cebu City Councilor Jerry Guar- do told reporters that DPWH has already awarded the projects worth P844,923,856.39 to two contractors.
“Last year, we’ve been experiencing heavy flooding all over the city after we experienced heavy downpour. We’re glad to inform that the City Government and DPWH are now implementing the flood control projects,” he said.
The first project is under DPWH’s General Appropriations Act (GAA) of 2016, and the contractor that won the bid was ARN Builders. It had a contract price of around P684 million.
Phase 1 of the 2016 flood control and drainage project involves clustered Cebu City rivers Bulacao, Kinalumsan, Guadalupe and Lahug, and Subangdaku River in Mandaue. Its total project cost is P394,911,222.59.
The other projects under GAA 2016 include separate flood control projects for Subangdaku River (P82.3 million); Kinalumsan River (P65.4 million); Tejero Channel (P89.8 million); and Tipolo River (P51.4 million).
The second project, on the other hand, is under GAA 2017. DPWH awarded the contract worth P160,888,888.88 to ME Sicat Construction, Inc. and MSB Vitug Construction. The two contractors are working in a joint venture.
Flood control projects for 2017 include the Subangdaku River (P36.5 million); Lahug River (44.3 million); Guadalupe River (P40 million); and Bulacao River (P40 million).
Guardo, deputy mayor for infrastructure, said that as of the moment, DPWH are conducting surveys and mobilizations in the affected areas.
He said they are also coordinating with Cebu City’s Division for the Welfare of the Urban Poor (DWUP) on the relocation of the informal settlers affected by the projects.
“DWUP has validated more than 200 homeowners. But the funds are being facilitated to be transferred to the acccount of the Cebu City Government. It was was around P140 million coming from the National Housing Authority through DPWH,” Guardo said.
The councilor said part of the agreement between the local government units and DPWH was to implement the projects only when the settlers are relocated.
“It could be a simultaneous implementation and relocation. Right now, nag mobilization sila and they can do excavation usa. It’s very important that we get the budget for relocation kay maglisud sila og mobilize if naa pa ang informal settlers,” he said.