Metro Cebu needs P44B for flood prevention, drainage projects

To implement all projects in the integrated flood control and drainage system master plan, Metro Cebu needs around P44.3 billion.

That master plan includes such projects as river improvements, construction of diversion channels and drainage lines, flow control systems, and housing units for informal settlers.

But without discipline from the public, the Metro Cebu Development and Coordinating Board (MCDCB) believes that these projects might not succeed.

In a presentation on Monday morning, Engr. Luis Paredes, regional project manager of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), said that five major projects were proposed to improve the drainage system in Metro Cebu.

Those included P27.7 billion for the improvement of rivers in Metro Cebu, P3.6 billion for the construction of diversion channels, P8 billion for the drainage mains, P300 million for the flow control systems, and P4.5 billion for the housing units of informal settlers who are living on riverbanks.

For this year alone, DPWH 7 has set aside P600 million for the civil works and survey for the road right-of-way of six rivers in Metro Cebu.

These six rivers are the Bulacao, Tejero, and Guadalupe rivers in Cebu City; Tipolo and Subangdaku in Mandaue City; and the Carcar river.

Paredes said they are scheduled to bid out the civil works and survey for the road right-ofway in August.

While infrastructure solutions are being built, Paredes said that the public’s cooperation is needed to address concerns on flooding.

Paredes said these projects are needed since flooding has become a major problem in Metro Cebu.